
^:;^ 

-N?^'-'^ 






_^ 



VAr 



miiMM imL mwi. 



FOB THK USE OF 



STUDENTS, 

Practitioners and Stockmen, 



y 



— BY— 



T. D. HiNEBAUCH, M. S., V. S., 
M 

Professor of Veterinary Science at Purd-ue University, 
Lafayette, Indiana, 



/^ 



^2l ILLUSTRATEb. 



UilX. 

«7 % 




PUBLISHED BY THB AUTHOR. 



LAFAYETTE, INDIANA. 
1889. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1889, by 

T. D. HINEBAUCH, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



C-. 



^^-^'^ 



JZ-^¥ffft. 



CHiCAao Printing Company, 
Printers and Binders, 

1«« A ieo S. CLARK ST., CHICAaO, 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

CHAPTER I. 
Anatomy of the Superior Maxilla — Pre-Maxilla 

and Inferior Maxilla — Sinuses of the Head 7 

CHAPTER II. 
Teeth — Their Structure and Composition; Dentine; 
Enamel ; Cement — Kinds of Teeth ; Incisors, Canine 
and Molars — Development of the Teeth 15 

CHAPTER III. 
Temporary Dentition of the Horse, Ox, Dog and 
Pig 31 

CHAPTER IV. 
Absorption of the Deciduous Teeth 45 

CHAPTER V. 
Permanent Dentition of the Horse and Ox — Den- 
tition Tables of the Horse and Ox 50 

CHAPTER VI. 
Diseases due to Dentition — Symptoms and Treat- 
ment 61 

CHAPTER VII. 
Caries of the Teeth — Forms, Symptoms, Results 

and Treatment • 72 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Denuding of the Teeth 88 

CHAPTER IX. 
Exostoses — Their Nature, Cause, Symptoms and Treat- 
ment 94 

CHAPTER X. 
Foreign Substances — Their Source, Symptoms and 
Treatment — Fractures of the Teeth; how caused; 
means of effecting their removal 115 

iii 



iv CONTENTS, 

rXGB. 

CHAPTER XI. 
Dental Cysts 124 

CHAPTER XII. . 
Tartar — How formed; its effect upon the Teeth — 
Lampas; Causes, Symptoms and Treatment 132 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Projecting Teeth in Horses, Sheep and Pigs — 

Their Cause, Results and Treatment * 139 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Long, Sharp and Projecting Edges — Their Cause, 
Effect and Removal — Special Operations — Side Lin- 
ing — Shying — Runaways — Method of Operating 
for Each 154 

CHAPTER XV. 

Diseases of the Lower Jaw — Injuries from Heavy 

Curb Bit 168 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Cribbing — Causes, Effects and Treatment 174 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Alveolar Abscesses — Their Formation, Progress, 

Symptoms and Treatment 181 

CHAPTER XVIIL 
Tumors of the Gums — Their Character, Causes and 

Treatment — Epulis 189 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Nasal Gleet — Causes, Symptoms and Treatment — 
Trephining — Steps in the Operation — After Treat- 
ment 191J 

CHAPTER XX. 
OsTEo Porosis 210 

CHAPTER XXI. 
Filling Horses' Teeth 224 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Determination of the Age of the Horse, Ox, Pig, 
Sheep and Dog ; 240 



PREFACE. 



It is owing to the scarcity of literature devoted to 
the principal operations of veterinary dentistry, and 
the belief that such a work will be favorably received 
by the veterinary profession at large, that the author 
attempts this volume. With an extended experi- 
ence as a veterinary dentist, and scattering articles 
which have appeared upon the subject from time to 
time, the bringing together of these into a single 
volume cannot fail to be productive of good results, 
in the placing upon a scientific basis this most neg- 
lected division of veterinary surgery. 

It is designed for practical stockmen as well as for 
students and practitioners, hence technical terms have 
been avoided as much as possible. 

Scientific veterinary dentistry is yet in its in- 
fancy. While operations upon the teeth of horses 
have been performed for many years, the humane 
method of handling horses' mouths and operating for 
diseases of that cavity has been confined to the last 
fifteen years. 

The author has drawn from various works, 
notably those of Williams, Percival, Owen, Chau- 
veau, Clark and Parreidt. Also others which have 
received credit where the quotations appear. 



vi PREFACE. 

The author is especially indebted to Dr. C. E. 
Sayre, D. V. S., Professor of Dental Pathology in 
the Chicago Veterinary College, for valuable assist- 
ance, and to Dr. Anderson, D. V. S., of Louisville, 
Ky., a graduate of the Chicago Veterinary College, 
for the valuable chapter on Osteo Porosis. 

Professor Windle, of Earhlam College, prepared 
most of the drawings from original specimens. 

Sharp & Smith, of Chicago, 111., furnished the 
cuts of instruments, with the exception of those 
used in filling teeth; these were kindly furnished 
by the S. S. White Dental Manufacturing Co., of 
Philadelphia. The Photo Engravings were made 
by the Photo Engraving Co., of New York. 

The object of the author in presenting this vol- 
ume is to bring the subject more clearly before the 
public, and inculcate in them a true conception of its 
importance. No branch of veterinary science has 
been so universally ignored as that pertaining to 
the management and preservation of the teeth of the 

domestic animals. 

T. D. HINEBAUCH. 

Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., Oct. i, 1889. 



ERRATA. 
Page 54, line seven from below should read: 
Two Years. ..TTT O PPTPPO 



CHAPTER I. 

ANATOMY OF THE SUPERIOR MAXILLA, THE 

PRE-MAXILLA AND INFERIOR MAXILLA. 

SINUSES OF THE HEAD. 

In no branch of Veterinary Science is it more 
important to possess an accurate knowledge of the 
conditions which are present in a state of health as 
well as disease, than in the care and treatment of the 
teeth. It is only by a thorough knowledge of the 
appearance of an organ during health, that the prac- 
titioner is able to recognize a diseased condition. 
And in order that he may remedy that defect and 
restore the structure to a healthy state, it is necessary 
that he should thoroughly understand the nature and 
extent of the disease. 

ANATOMY. 

In discussing the anatomical relations of the bones 
of the face and head of the horse only those will be 
mentioned which are directly involved in diseases of 
the teeth. These are the superior maxilla, the pre- 
maxilla and the inferior maxillary bones. 

The superior maxilla (Fig. 1-4) is situated at the 
side of the face, irregular in form somewhat triangu- 
lar, and elongated from before backwards. It affords 

7 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



lodgment for the molar teeth and presents two sur- 
faces, two borders and two extremities. The exter- 
nal surface is convex and smooth and presents an 
elongfated horizontal ridge opposite the fourth and 




FIG. I. 
LATERAL VIEW OF THE HORSE's SKULL. 

I, Pre-maxilla bone; 2, Upper incisors; 3, Upper canine 
teeth; 4, superior maxillary bone; 5, Infra-orbital foramen; 
6, Superior maxillary spine; 7, Nasal bones; 8, Lachrymal 
bone; 9, Orbital cavity; 10, Lachrymal fossa; 11, Malar 
bone; 12, Upper molar teeth; 13, Frontal bone; 15, Zygo- 
matic process; 16, Parietal bone; 17, Occipital protuberance; 
18, Occipital crest; 19, Occipital condyles; 20, Styloid pro- 
cesses; 21, Petrous bone; 22, Basilar process; 23, Condyle of 
inferior maxilla; 24 Parietal crest; 25, Inferior maxilla; 26, 
Inferior molars; 27, Anterior maxillary foramen; 28, Infer- 
ior canine teeth; 29, Inferior incisor teeth. — Ckauveau. 

fifth molar teeth. Above, this ridge is continuous 
with the Zygomatic spine. The large opening of 
the infra-orbital canal (Fig. 1-5) opens on the face 
near the middle of the upper surface, This gives 



VBTERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 9 

exit to the facial division of the fifth nerve and a 
branch of the superior dental artery. The internal 
surface forms the sides and most of the floor of the 
nasal cavity. At the posterior part of this surface is 
a deep excavation which helps form the maxillary 
sinus. The inferior or palatine surface forms the 
greater part of the floor of the nasal fossa by which 
it is separated from the mouth. The under part of 
the palatine process is furrowed by numerous small 
grooves and a deeper groove near its outside border 
which lodges a branch of the palatine artery, being 
separated from the molar teeth by the alveolar pro- 
cess.* The superior border is thin, convex, grooved 
and serrated to articulate with the nasal, pre-maxilla, 
lachrymal and malar bones. The inferior border is 
thick and strong, and is divided into quadlateral cavi- 
ties which correspond to the number of molar teeth, 
and in which they are lodged. These cavities are 
known as alveoli. The alveolar tuberosity, a rugged 
eminence, is located just back of the last alveolus. 
Anterior to the first alveolus the border is thin and 
covered by soft tissues helping to form the interdental 
space. The posterior extremity is thickest and rep- 
resents the alveolar tuberosity, in the interior of 
which the maxillary sinus is prolonged. Within 
this eminence, is a wide and deep excavation known 



♦Sometimes in grasping a molar tooth with the forceps, this artery becomes 
wounded and may prove troublesome to the operator unless the hemorrhage 
pan be checked. 



10 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

as the maxillary hiatus, and which contains three 
foramina; the first leads to the palatine groove giv- 
ing exit to the palatine artery, the second enters the 
maxillary sinus passing along the roots of the molar 
teeth and dividing into two branches; one short and 
wide which opens on the external surface of the 
bone on a level with the third molar tooth, the other 
continues along the canal of the bone to the roots of 
the incisor teeth. The third, the palatine canal, enters 
the nasal chambers and gives passage to blood vessels 
and nerves. The anterior extremity of this bone 
with the posterior extremity of the pre-maxilla 
forms a cavity in which the canine tooth is lodged. 
The pre-maxilla bone (Fig. i-i) occupies the anter- 
ior extremity of the face, and consists of a thick por- 
tion and two processes. The thick portion presents 
three surfaces, the external or labial, which is smooth 
and convex; an internal, w^hich is roughened to artic- 
ulate with its fellow on the opposite side, and is 
traversed by a fissure, which forms with the bone of 
the opposite side, the foramen incisivum, for the pas- 
sage of the palato-labial artery ; and an inferior, 
which is smooth and slightly concave and shows the 
continuation of the palatine fissure which opens into 
the foramen incisivum. Between the external and 
inferior surface is a thick border which is divided into 
two parts, an anterior and posterior ; the anterior 
contains three alveoli, which receive the incisor teeth. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERT. 11 

Posterior, it is thin and completes the interdental 
space. (In the Ruminantia the pre-maxilla is broad, 
its inferior surface flat and destitute of alveolar cav- 
ities, hence it possesses no incisor teeth but instead i^ 
covered by a dense cartilaginous pad, against which 
the lower teeth press the food while the animal is 
grazing). The processes are external and internal. 
The external is the largest and longest, its outer sur- 
face convex and smooth, its inner surface being 
covered by the mucous membrane of the nose. The 
internal process is flattened and thin, the superior 
surface forming part of the floor of the nasal fossa. 
The inferior surface forms part of the hard palate. 

The inferior maxilla (Fig. 1-25) is a large V- 
shaped bone situated below the upper jaw and with 
which it articulates. It consists of two symmetrical 
branches which are flattened on both sides, wider 
posteriorly than anteriorly, curved upward at the 
upper third and joined anteriorly so as to leave a 
space, which is known as the intermaxillary space. 
The external surface is smooth anteriorly and rough 
posteriorly. The internal surface is smooth and flat 
anteriorly, and rough and concave posteriorly. It 
presents a large opening, the inferior dental foramen, 
which passes through the bone below the roots of 
the molar teeth. The superior or alveolar border is 
straight anteriorly and concave posteriorly. The 
first contains six alveoli for the lower molars. The 



12 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

second, which is thinner, is somewhat roughened for 
muscular attachment. The inferior border is divided 
into two portions, straight and curved, the latter 
being convex and thick, the first rectilinear, thick and 
rounded in the young animal, but becoming sharp 
with age. The union of the two forms the angle of 
the jaw. The posterior extremity presents two 
eminences, a coronoid process anteriorly and a con- 
dyle posteriorly. These eminences are separated by 
a deep notch, the sigmoid or corono-condyloid notch. 
The anterior portion of the inferior maxilla is a 
single piece, flattened above and below and widened 
anteriorly. The anterior border is convex and con- 
tains six alveoli (in Ruminantia eight), which receive 
the inferior incisor teeth. Just posterior to the 
incisor teeth are two cavities, one on either side, which 
contain the canine teeth. On the external surface, 
about midway between the canine and first molar 
teeth, is a foramen (Fig. 1-27), the inferior orifice 
of the dental canal, which transmits the inferior 
dental artery and inferior division of the fifth pair of 
nerves, which supply the teeth with sensation. At 
this place the bone is constricted to form a neck. 
Superiorly there is a ridge, more or less sharp, which 
helps form the inferior interdental space. 

SINUSES. 
Sinuses are winding cavities in the bones of the 
face communicating freely with each other, and with 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 13 

the nasal fossa of which they may be considered as 
prolongations. There are four on each side; viz.: 
The frontal, the maxillary, the sphenoidal, and the 
ethmoidal. These cavities are filled with air in 
their normal state, giving increased volume to the 
head without increasing its weight. In this manner 
wide surfaces are furnished for the insertion of mus- 
cles which in this region are large and numerous. 

The frontal sinus is situated at the inner side of the 
orbit, presenting very irregular walls which are 
formed by the frontal, (Fig. 1-13), nasal, (Fig. 1-7), 
lachrymal, (Fig. 1-8), externally and internally, the 
ethmoid and superior turbinated bones. 

The frontal sinus communicates freely with the 
maxillary sinus by a vast opening through the thin 
bony partition which separates the two sinuses. A 
vertical bony plate, perforated separates this sinus 
from that of the opposite side, but is always imper- 
forate. 

The maxillary sinus formed beneath the orbit, 
by the superior maxillary, (Fig. 1-4), malar, (Fig. 
i-ii); lachrymal, (Fig. 1-8), externally and inter- 
nally by the ethmoid and inferior turbinated. This 
is the largest of the sinuses, and is divided into two 
compartments by a ridge, which contains the superior 
dental canal, into an internal small and shallow, and 
continuous with the sphenoidal, and communicating 
with the ethmoidal sinus, and an external which is 



U VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

large and divided into two chambers by a transverse 
plate of bone which always remains perfect through 
life, completely isolating the anterior chamber. This 
plate of bone is usually opposite the space between the 
fourth and fifth molar teeth, so that by trephining over 
that region an opening will be made in both compart- 
ments. The posterior of these chambers, sometimes 
known as the superior maxillary sinus, is continued 
backwards to the alveolar tuberosity and contains the 
roots of the last two molar teeth. The anterior 
division, sometimes called the inferior maxillary 
sinus is the smaller of the two and has the roots of 
the fourth, occasionally the third molar teeth pro- 
jecting into it. 

The sphenoidal sinus is small and formed by the 
sphenoid and palatine bones. It is subdivided by 
incomplete partitions into several compartments. 

The ethmoidal sinus the smaller of these cavities 
is a space included in the ethmoid bone. It com- 
municates with the maxillary sinus. 



CHAPTER II. 
TEETH. 

THEIR STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION, DENTINE, ENAMEL, 
CEMENT — KINDS OF TEETH — INCISORS, CANINE AND 
MOLARS — DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEETH. 

Teeth are firm substances implanted in and pro- 
truding from the maxillary alveoli, adapted for seiz- 
ing, lacerating dividing and tricturating the food. 
They are the chief agents in the mechanical part of 
the digestive function. The teeth are intimately re- 
lated to the food and habits of the animal. They 
vary in size, form, structure, position, attachment and 
number. But in all cases they are in correlation with 
the food and habits of the animal. 

In Herbivora, the contacting surfaces of the 
molars are flat and rough for grinding the food. In 
Carnivora the molars are sharp and pointed to tear 
and crush the food. In Omnivora vv^here both pro- 
cesses are used the teeth are mixed in their character. 

A tooth is the most durable part of the animal 
body, and is frequently the sole remains of an 
animal. 

Teeth consist of a cellular and a tubular basis of 

animal matter containing earthy particles, a fluid and 

a vascular pulp. 

15 



16 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

True teeth consist of three tissues which are char- 
acterized by different degrees of density. These are 
the Dentine, Enamel and Cement or Crusta-petrosa. 

Dentine is a hard whitish yellow substance, form- 
ing the greater portion of a tooth, and consists of an 
organized animal basis disposed in the form of very 
minute tubes and cells, and of earthy particles. 
These earthy particles have a twofold arrangement, 
being either blended with the animal matter of the 
interspaces and parieties of the tubes and cells, or 
contained in a minutely and irregular granular state 
in their cavities. The density is due to the propor- 
tion of earthy material, 72 per cent being earthy 
matter and 28 per cent animal matter. The tubes 
and cells also contains a colorless fluid, "liquor san- 
guinis" which furnishes nutrition to this portion of 
the tooth. Dentine is non-vascular in the higher 
types of vertebrates, but in some of the lower forms 
the teeth are traversed by blood vessels. Fig. 2 
shows a section through a molar tooth and illustrates 
the tubuli of the dentine. 

The enamel is a thin layer of very dense tissue 
which covers the crown portion of the dentine, and 
and in some animals (the horse and Ruminantia) it 
dips into the table surface of the tooth to a great 
depth. It is very hard and white, taking a high 
polish during the process of mastication. It consists 
of 96.5 per cent of earthy matter and 3.5 per cent of 



VE TERINART DENTAL S URGERT. 



17 



animal substance. When enamel is examined micro- 
scopically it present small prismatic hexagonal rods 
notched on their faces. 




cc. 



bu. 



FIG. 2. 



aa. Dentine traversed by its tubuli;<^/5, Interglobular or 
nodular laver; rr, Cementum. Chauveau. 




FIG. 3. 

a, Transverse section of enamel, showing its hexagonal 
prisms ; ^, separated prisms. Chauveau. 

In simple teeth the whole free surface of the 
tooth is covered by enamel. 

The cement covers the root portion of the den- 



is VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

tine. It commences at the neck of the tooth, in very 
thin layers, and continues to increase in thickness 
toward the apex of the root? and corresponds in text- 
ure to the bony framework of the same animal, and 
is traversed by vascular canals. Where natural cav- 
ities exist on the free portion of a tooth, as in the Her- 
bivora, they are occupied by crusta-petrosa. The 
cementum being less dense than the enamel, it is 
worn away in the cavities of the tooth as fast as the 
projections of enamel are worn down, so that the 
grinding surface is retained during the life of the 
animal. The cementum has tubuli and cells re- 
sembling canaliculi and lacunae of bones. Indeed 
their physiological use is the same. These tubuli 
connect with the dental fibers. 

As age increases the cementum increases in thick- 
ness and may give rise to a bony growth or exostosis. 
Sometimes the teeth of young animals are affected 
by exostosis, which is due to an extraordinary develop- 
ment of the cementum, for it is this tissue that is 
always found in their growths. 




FIG. 4. 
MAGNIFIED SECTION OF A CANINE TOOTH, SHOWING ITS 
INTIMATE STRUCTURE. 

1, crown; 2, 2, neck; 3, fang or root; 4, pulp cavity; 5, 
opening bj which the vessels and nerves communicate 
with the pulp; 6, 6, dentine, showing fibrous structure; 7, 7, 
enamel ; 8, 8, cement. Chauveau. 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 19 

The dental pulp (Fig. 4-4) is enclosed in the den- 
tine and represents the shape of the tooth in a much 
diminished size. It consists of fribrilated connective 
tissue devoid of any elastic fibers. The dental pulp 
receives the blood vessels and nerves, and is covered 
by a thin membrane, composed of cells resembling 
cylinder epithelium v/hich contain one or two nuclei. 
They are connected vs^ith one another and with the 
spindle cells, which lie just beneath them, by fine 
processes and also send processes into the dentinal 
canals. Although dentine is often very sensitive 
when exposed, there has never been any nerve fibers 
traced leading from the pulp into the dentine. The 
vessels of the pulp are very numerous and enter the 
tooth through the dentinal foramen at the apex of 
the root, traverse the pulp and at its upper surface 
form circles. This gives to the pulp the appearance 
of cavernous tissue. The nerves which are from the 
fifth pair (sensory), enter with the blood vessels and 
form numerous branches within the pulp. 

As age advances the pulp and pulp cavity dimin- 
ish in size, owing to the formation of osteo-dentine 
around that organ. This osteo-dentine is deposited 
by the pericementum which lines the pulp cavity as 
well as covering the root of the tooth. In old ani- 
mals the pulp cavity is sometimes nearly obliterated, 
and is always smaller than in young animals. 

The receding of the pulp and the closing of the 



20 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 

pulp cavity is most active at the time the tooth is first 
up and comes into w^ear. 

Teeth are either simple or compound. Simple, 
as in the dog and cat, where the entire exposed sur- 
face is covered by enamel; and compound, as in the 
horse and ox, where two or more tissues come into 
wear. * 

For description, a tooth is divided into three por- 
tions; the crown, which is that portion above the 
gums; the grinding surface, being called the table; 
the cervix or neck, that part covered by the gums; 
and the fang or root, that portion* which is inserted 
into the socket, or alveolus. 

Teeth are of three kinds: Incisors, those occupy- 
ing the anterior portion of the jaw; Canine, those 
occupying the interdental space; and Molars or 
grinders, those situated in the posterior of the jaw 
bone. In the horse there are 40 teeth ; in Ruminants 
32 ; in dogs 42, and in pigs 44. In the horse the 
dental formula will be : 

Incisors, \ — |; Canines, \ — \\ Molars, |. — \= 40 

In the Ruminants the dental formula will be 

Incisors, | — \ ; Canines, \ — -J ; Molars, | — 1-= 32 

In the pig the dental formula will be: 

Incisors, J — |; Canines, \ — \\ Molars, -J — ^=r 44 

In the dog the dental formula will be: 

Incisors, | — J; Canine, \ — i; Molars, ^ — ^= 42 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 21 

*"The incisors or front teeth in the horse are 12 
in number, 6 in each jaw; the upper ones are the 
longest, their surfaces meeting those of the lower 
ones; in rare cases the former overlap," constituting 
a "parrot mouth." The central pair are the largest, 
the adjacent ones are called the middle, or lateral, 
while the outer ones which are the smallest are termed 
the corner incisors. [In Ruminants which have 
8 incisors, the first pair are called centrals; the second 

FIG. 5. 

THEORETICAL SECTION OF THE DENTAL 
SAC OF A PERMANENT INCISOR IN THE 
HORSE. 

a, proper membrane of the sac; /^ 
Dental pulp.;<r, Papilla of the external A 
cavity of the tooth, a dependency of the 
enamel membrane; d^ Epithelial layer *-< 
of the dentine membrane; ^, Cylindrical 
cells of the enamel membrane; /, Den- 
tine; g^ Enamel. The secretion of the 
cement is not supposed to have com- 
menced. Chauveau. 

pair internal lateral; the third pair external lateral, 
and the fourth pair the corners]. The row of incis- 
ors form a curve, which is part of the so-called den- 
tal arch ; the younger the tooth the greater the curva- 
ture, which gradully decreases with age. The anter- 
ior surface of a young incisor tooth presents a trian- 
gular shape, with the base at the table. Viewed 
laterally it is still triangular, but its apex is at the 
table. The table is therefore oblong, its long axis 

*Strangeway. 




22 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

following the line of the dental arch. As it wears it 
narrows laterally, but its short axis widens until in 
old age it is nearly round, what was the fang being 
in wear. 

The free surface of an incisor tooth, excepting 
the table, is covered by a layer of enamel, (Fig. 6 — 4 
A,) the fang which is a single process, being covered 
by crusta-petrosa. Towards the center of the table 
in a young tooth a second ring of enamel is visible 
(Fig. 4 — 4, B,) which is the mouth of a funnel-shaped 
cavity called the infundibulum. This cavity in the 
young animal is ovoid, its long axis following that of 
the table; it is lined by crusta-petrosa, which becom- 
ing stained by the food constitutes the so-called 
"mark." The space between the two tubes of enamel 
is filled up with dentine; hence the table is a com- 
pound one — i. e. all three of the dental tissues are in 
wear on it. The infundibulum or mark being coni- 
cal in shape, wears with the tooth, becomes smaller 
and ultimately vanishes. 

In the center the table in front of the mark is 
broader than behind it, and as the tooth wears it still 
broadens. In this space sometimes a spot is apparent 
which differs from the rest of the dentine; it is the 
osteo-dentine covering the pulp cavity. This object 
(Fig. 6-4, c,) has been termed the dental star. The 
corner teeth may have no posterior tables constituting 
shell teeth; rarely, they are absent in every tooth 
when we have a shell mouths. 



VB TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 



23 



The incisor milk teeth are whiter than the per- 
manent ones, and have distinct necks (Fig. 6, 5.), 
the neck of the permanent tooth being imaginary. 




FIG. 6. 

Incisor Teeth of the Horse. Details of Structure. 
I, A tooth in which is indicated the general shape of a 
permanent incisor, and the particular forms successively as- 
sumed by the dental table in consequence of friction, and 
the continued pushing outwards of these teeth. 2, A virgin 
tooth anterior and posterior faces. 3, Longitudinal section 
of a virgin tooth intended to show the internal conforma- 
tion and structure. 4, Transverse section for the same 
purpose, a, Encircling enamel; b^ Central enamel; c, Den- 
t?il star;*<f, Dentine. 5, Deciduous teeth. Chauveau. 



24 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

Permanent incisors are convex anteriorly, the lower 
incisors have one, the upper, two grooves down the 
center of the body. These are filled with cementum, 
but are absent in old teeth. 

[*"The follicle in which the incisor teeth are de- 
veloped shows only two papillae ; one for the secretion 
of the dentine lodged in the internal cavity of the 
tooth, and hollowed into a cup-shape at its free ex- 
tremity. The other is contained in the external cul- 
de-sac (Fig. 5, A. B. c.")]. 

The tushes, tusks or canine teeth, well developed 
in dogs and other carnivora, are simple teeth, four in 
number, two above and below. They rest in the in- 
terdental spaces, the lower being nearer the incisors 
than the upper ones; they are permanent and appear 
between the fourth and fifth year, sometimes a year 
in advance. The crown is somewhat conical, the base 
being at the gums. The external surface is convex 
and marked by several longitudinal lines ; the internal 
surface presents on either side a sharp ridge, which 
separates it from the external. The crown ter- 
minates in a conical eminence; somewhat hollowed 
internally during growth, and bounded by a sharp 
ridge. When a tusk has been long in wear, the ridge 
disappears, and the internal surface becomes nearly 
smooth, and as the apex of the tooth becomes worn 
away, often a small mark appears but no second ring 

♦Chauveau . 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGER2\ 25 

of enamel. In the horse tribe as a rule canine teeth 
are only developed in the male; if they exist in the 
female they are rudimentary. 

The molars or grinders are 24, 6 on each side, 
above and below. They are numbered from before 
backwards (Fig. 32), and like the incisors those of 
the upper jaw are the largest. A molar tooth is 
constructed on the same general plan as an incisor, 
but the contour of the various parts is much more 
irregular. There are generally two infundibula con- 
taining a large quantity of cementum, a layer of 
which also covers a greater part of the external 
enamel. (Fig. 7-AA), 

The crown of the upper molars is somewhat cubic; 
their external surface presents two grooves running 
from table to root, the anterior being the deeper. 
The crown of the lower molars is narrower and 

longer than that of the upper 
ones and has only one groove. 
The inner surface of the up- 
per molars is not so deep as the 
outer, while the inner surface of 
the lower ones is deeper. The 
_,^ ^ two lower rows divere^e 

FIG. 7- 

TRANSVERSE SECTION OF towards the back of the mouth, 
A horse's upper 
MOLAR TOOTH. whilc tlic two uppcr rows are 

a, external cement; b, rather convex externally, 
external enamel; <:, den- 
tine; ^, internal enamel; "A horse may have super- 
«,internal crusta-petrosa. ir 1 

Chauveau. numerary molar or wolf teeth; 




26 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

these are small, and placed on each side of the jaw, 
anterior to the first molars." 

ANATOMY OF THE TEETH. 

Teeth are papillae of the mucous membrane of the 
gum which have undergone a characteristic develop- 
ment. During their growth they become fixed in 
their alveolar cavities which allow more or less 
motion during the process of mastication. While 
the process of development is going on part of the 
papilla is transformed into a layer of dentine, while 
the epithelium covering the papilla produces the 
enamel; the crusta-petrosa being added during the 
growth of the tooth, it being a product of that divi- 
sion of the periodental membrane which clothes the 
tooth. 

The pulp represents the remainder of the dental 
papilla, around which the dentine was deposited, 
and is composed of a very vascular fibrilated connec- 
tive tissue and is devoid of any elastic fibers. The 
outer layer of cells resemble columnar epithelium, 
which contains nuclei and fine grained protoplasm. 
These lie in direct contact with the dentine building- 
up that part of the tooth. These cells send off long, 
fine branched processes into the dentinal canals, 
while their nucleated bodies lie on the surface of the 
pulp and form a connection between the cells of the 
pulp and dental tubes. All the vessels of the pulp 
^nter the tooth through the Rental foramen at the 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 27 

apex of the root. The nerve fibers, which are sen- 
sory and from the fifth pair (trigeminous), enter 
with the blood vessels and by dividing form numer- 
ous branches, some of which become very fine and 
enter "between the odonto blasts. Beyond this the 
nerve fibers cannot be traced and their mode of ter- 
mination is as yet unknown. 

The periodental membrane covers the root of the 
tooth and is connected with the osseous alveolus, in 
which the tooth is firmly lodged. In this membrane 
are developed the cemento blasts which build up the 
cementum, and also the osteo blasts which build up 
the walls of the alveolus. In addition this membrane 
also contains osteo clasts for the removal of portions 
of the walls of the alveolus. This process accom- 
modates the changes which take place during the 
growth of the tooth. As the tooth enlarges and 
presses on the walls of the alveolar cavity, these osteo 
clasts absorb the walls of the alveolus, diminishing 
its thickness in proportion to the increase in size of 
the tooth. The osteo clasts also exert an influence 
in shaping the roots of the teeth, or in changing 
their form. The thickness of the membrane varies 
very much in different animals and around different 
teeth of the same animal. It is thickest in the 
young animal, gradually decreasing as age advances. 

The periodental membrane always closely sur- 
rounds the root or fang and fills the alveolar cavity. 



28 VETERIN ART DENTAL SURGERY. 

It also surrounds the body of the tooth to the neck 
or cervix. 

During the growth of the periodental membrane 
it becomes closely allied to the surface of both the 
cementum and the bone. The fibrous elements fix 
and retain the tooth in its position. These fibers 
forms the bulk of the tissue of the membrane and 
have their ends fixed in the cementum of the tooth 
on one side and in the bone which forms the walls of 
the alveolar process on the other, being stretched 
across the intervening space in various directions. 

The periodental membrane is highly supplied with 
nerves which enter through the walls of the alveolus 
and by way of the gums below the alveolus. 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEETH. 

The development of the teeth begins from the 
sixth to the seventh week of foetal life. Prior to 
this time there is a thick projecting ridge of epithe- 
lium cells, known as the dental ridge, which extends 
along the whole length of the jaw. At this time a de- 
pression is formed ; the dental groove in the mucous 
membrane of the gum. This is also filled with layers 
of epithelium which form follicles or sacs. They 
correspond in number to the temporary dentition, 
there being one for each temporary tooth. The den- 
tal groove gradually deepens throughout its whole 
length, and later is filled with epithelium cells, which 
form the enamel organ. Each follicle or sac cor- 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 29 

responds to a tooth and is divided from those adjoin- 
ing by prolongations of connective tissues, covered 
by the periodental membrane which passes across the 
groove. This forms the tooth socket. From belowr 
in the lower jaw and from above in the upper jaw a 
papilla of connective tissue grows towards the follicle 
which later on becomes the dentine organ being 
covered by the enamel organ like a cap. 

At about the fourteenth week of foetal life a 
vascular tissue is developed about the enamel organ 
and dentine germ which becomes the dental sac. 
Several weeks later the papillae undergo a change 
and assume the forms of the crowns of the teeth. 
Small membranous lid-like coverings are developed 
from the side of the follicle, corresponding in number 
and shape with the table surface of the teeth. The 
side of the follicles and the lid-like membrane close 
and form sacs. Just previous to the closing of the 
sacs of the milk teeth, a depression is noticed behind 
and inside of each follicle. These are the cavities of 
reserve which eventually form follicles for the de- 
velopment of the permanent teeth which replace the 
temporary. The papilla enlarges and is converted 
into the pulp which resembles the crown of the 
tooth. The process of calcification now begins; a 
thin layer of dentine is developed from the covering 
membrane on the outer part of the pulp, layer 
after layer being deposited from the substance of 



30 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

the pulp, which gradually decreases in size as the 
dentine increases. At the same time the enamel is 
formed from the enamel organ, it being deposited in 
crystals, the cement is produced from calcification of 
that portion of the periodental membrane lying next 
the tooth. As calcification advances, the tooth 
presses its way through the gums, which become 
absorbed. At the same time the divisions between 
the teeth become ossified, so that each tooth is wholly 
surrounded by bony structures, except the crown 
which is gradually pushed up by the lengthening of 
the roots. As the tooth grows the dental sac elon- 
gates gradually diminishing in size owing to the form- 
ation of dentine on its outer surface, until only a small 
cavity is left in the center of the root in which rests 
the dental pulp. 



CHAPTER III. 

TEMPORARY DENTITION OF THE HORSE, OX, 
DOG AND PIG. 

The temporary (sometimes called milk or decidu- 
ous) teeth of the foal are twenty-four in number, 
twelve incisors or nippers and twelve molars or 
grinders, six above and six below of each kind. 
They present a dental formula, thus: 

Incisors, | — |; molars, | — -J=24. 

The temporary molars are up at or a few days 
after birth; but the incisors make their appearance at 
different periods. 

The incisors are divided into central, those nearest 
the mesian line; lateral or dividers, those on either 
side of the central ; and corners, those on the outside. 
They are sometimes known as the first, second and 
third pair. 

At birth the foal usually has no teeth, but a mem- 
brane-like covering for the incisors. The molars 
appear in two or three days. The incisors are cut in 
pairs, two above and two below at a time. The 
first pair protrude at from birth to eight days, usually 
about the fifth. The second pair at from four to six 
weeks. It usually takes about two months for the 

31 



32 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

first and second pairs to attain their growth. The 
third pair is cut at from six to nine or ten months, the 
time varying much more than for the other teeth. 
It also takes longer for this pair to develop, usually 
about three months. 

The cutting of these teeth, unlike those of chil- 
dren, do not seem to give any trouble whatever to 
the animal. The gums do not swell or tumefy, but 
retain their natural appearance. 

During this time the foal feeds well, seemingly 
suffering no inconvenience during mastication. 

The milk teeth are smaller and whiter, v^ith a 
better marked neck than the permanent teeth. (Fig. 

6-5). 

The outside covering, the encircling enamel, is 

very thin and nearly transparent. This milky white- 
ness *" is due to the absence of crusta petrosa; their 
crown is finely striated and not cannular on the an- 
terior surface. The external infundibulum is shal- 
low ; they are not constantly pushed out from their 
cavities, their growth ceasing when they begin to be 
used." 

The central pair of incisors is the longest and the 
corner one the smallest. The average size of the in- 
cisor teeth is about an inch and a quarter in length, 
one half to three-fourths inches wide, and about 
three-eighths of an inch in diameter; convex on their 

*Chauveau. 



VETERrN ART DENTAL SURGERT. 33 

external surface and slightly concave on their internal 
surface, with a groove running the whole length of 
the tooth. As the teeth become older they change 
in color, and assume more of a yellowish tint. The 
growth of the jaw forces them apart, so that each 
tooth stands by itself. These teeth, unlike the per- 
manent ones, are seldom covered with a thick coat of 
tartar. 

The molars are about an inch and a quarter in 
length and nearly an inch in diameter. The short — 
transverse — diameter of the upper molars is about 
three-quarters of an inch, and of the lower molars 
much less. The temporary molars are much smaller 
than the corresponding permanent ones. 

The incisor teeth are shed in the order in which 
they are cut. The first pair is replaced by permanent 
teeth at tw^o and a half to three years, and are up and 
in wear before the next pair are ready for shedding, 
thus leaving two pairs of sound teeth in wear for 
masticating food, during the whole process of shed- 
ding. The second pair are shed at three and one-half 
to four years, and the third at four and one-half to 
five years. At five years of age the permanent teeth 
are all up and in wear. All incisor teeth, both tem- 
porary and permanent, present their anterior side 
first; after they are in wear for a short time, it is 
reduced to a level with the inner surface. 

The fourth molar makes its appearance at the 



34 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

tenth to the twelfth month and Is permanent. At 
two to two and a half years, the fifth molar is cut, 
and the first and second temporary molars replaced 
by permanent ones. At three and one half-years the 
third temporary molar is replaced by a permanent 
one, and at four and one-half to five years the sixth 

permanent — is cut. At five the molars, as well as 

the incisors, are up and in wear and the horse is then 
said to have a "full mouth." 

The temporary canine teeth are rarely ever 
noticed by the casual observer, they being very rudi- 
mentary, and thus far have received but very little 
consideration from veterinarians. This is probably 
due to the fact that they produce no serious results, 
and are so small that they are rarely ever seen. 

*"Some veterinarians, and among them For- 
thomme and Rigot, have witnessed instances in 
which they were replaced; but the very rare excep- 
tions cannot make us look upon these teeth as liable 
to be renewed. We must not, however, confound 
with these exceptional cases, the shedding of a small 
spicula or joint, which, in the majority of horses, pre- 
cedes the eruption of the real tusks." 

+ "The small deciduous canine is cut about the 
sixth month, at about the time the third or corner 
incisors are cut. The lower tusk, owing to its dimin- 
utive size, and its being so close to the incisor, is shed 

*Chauveau. t Prof. Owen. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SCRGERT. 35 

almost as soon as the crown of the contiguous incisor 
is in full place, being carried out by the same move- 
ment." The deciduous canine of the upper jaw is 
shed the second year. 

They are small and occujov the position that is 
eventually taken by the permanent canines. They 
are very small as compared with the other teeth, 
being from one-fourth to three-eighths of an inch in 
length and from one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an 
inch in thickness. I have invariably found them 
present in both colts and fillies, when preparing 
heads for anatomical specimens, provided the animals 
from which the heads were taken did not exceed six 
weeks of age. Up to that time they are thoroughly 
imbedded in the bones. The shedding of the teeth 
usually takes place in the spring and early summer. 
Occasionally we find colts that shed their temporary 
teeth in the fall and winter; but such instances are 
comparatively few. 

TEMPORARY DENTITION IN THE OX. 

The temporary teeth of the calf are twenty in 
number ; eight incisors all below, and twelve molars, 
six above and six below. They present a dental 
formula, thus: 

Incisors, | — J; Molars, | — 1=20. 

The molars are all up before, or a few days after 
birth; but the temporary incisors make their appear- 
ance at different periods. 



6 VETERINAR2' DENTAL SURGER2 . 

The temporary incisor teeth of the calf are all 
situated in the lower jaw, and are eight in number. 
They differ from those of the horse in being turned 
more outwards. They are chisel shaped, convex on 
the external surface, and concave on the internal sur- 
face. The neck is small and much better marked 
than in the horse. 

These teeth, unlike those of the horse, possess a 
"certain amount of mobility, thus preventing injury 
to the cartilaginous pad above ; they are not fixed in, 
the alveoli. This condition is sometimes mistaken 
for disease and the poor animal has to suffer an oper- 
ation, which varies according to the fancy of the 
operator. Some empirics have been known to 
scarif}', and even burn the gums, in the vain hope 
" that they would heal and the teeth become solid in 
their sockets." 

The incisors are divided into central, internal 
lateral (first intermediate), external lateral (second 
intermediate), and corner. * " The two temporary 
central incisors are always separated by a marked 
interval, depending upon the thickness of the fibro 
cartilage in the maxillary symphysis during youth." 

The roots of the temporary teeth become absorbed 
by the permanent, as in the horse. 

The anterior portion of the upper jaw is covered 
by a thick cartilaginous pad, continuous with the 
mucous membrane of the hard palate. 

*Chauveau. 



VETERlNARr DENTAL SURGERY 



37 




Rare instances occur where one or two incisor 
teeth are developed in the upper jaw; but they are 
so seldom noticed that a farther consideration than a 
mere mention is not deemed necessary. 

The central incis- 
ors and first interme- 
diate (internal lateral), 
are up before or some 
days after birth; the 
second intermediate 
(external la tcral), at 
fourteen days, and the 
corner by the twenty- 
first day. 

FIG, 8. 
ox's INCISOR TOOTH. Thc milk tCCth of 

a, free portion, external face, fhe calf are also much 
outer border; ^/, Ibid, internal 

face, outer border; b, root; r, smaller and whiter, 
neck; f. anterior border; <r -C"', ■, i li- 

inner border. Chanvcan. ' and as the calf grows, 

the'spaces between them widen until they are finally 
shed. 

The incisor teeth are shed in the order in which 
they are^first cut. The central pair are replaced by 
permanent ones at one and one-half years, and are up 
and in wear at from one year and ten months to two 
years. The first intermediates are replaced by per- 
manent ones at two and one-half years, and are 
tip and in wear at three years; the second interme- 
diates'' at three years and three months, and are up and 



38 



VETER IN ART DENTAL SURGERY. 



in wear at four years. The corner incisors are replaced 
by permanent ones at three years and nine months, 
and are up and in wear at four 3' ears. 




FIG. 9. 
TUE TEETH OF THE OX. 

I, upper jaw with a, the friction surface and 
^, the external surface; 2, lower jaw with^, the 
dental tables, and Z^, the external surface. CJuiii' 
veau. 



VETERINARt DENTAL SURGERY. 39 

The first molar is replaced by a permanent one at 
one and one-half to two years ; the second molar at 
two and one-half to three years ; and the third at three 
and one-half years. The fourth molar is cut as a 
permanent one at three to nine months. The fifth 
molar is cut as a permanent one at two to two and 
one-half 3^ears. The sixth molar at from three and 
one-half to four and one-half years. 

The central pair of incisors are the widest and 
largest; they gradually diminish in both length and 
width toward the corners, which are the smallest. 

The temporary dentition of 
the sheep and goat is similar to 
that of the ox ; they present the 
same dental formula, but differ 
in that the incisors present their 

Incisor Teeth of free ends (table surface), to the 
A Sheep Two Years . . ^ ^ 

Old. cartilaginous pad above, while 

The second inter- . , , . . , - 

mediates and corner ^'^ ^^^^ ^x the posterior Side of 

incisors have not jet ^j,^ ^^^^j^ . j 

been replaced.* C/nm- ^ ^ 

veau. pad. 

TEMPORARY DENTITION OF THE DOG. 

The temporary teeth of the dog are thirty 
in number; twelve incisors, four canine, and 

*It is almost impossible to give a correct dental formula? of cattle 
owing to the various modes of treatment to which they are subjected. 
Some are so fed and howsed that they mature earlv, while others do not 
get their growth until a much later period. The tendency to early maturity 
which IS so highly developed in the beef producing breeds, is accompanied 
with a change in the period of dentition. 




40 



VE TERINAR 1 ' DEN TAL S URGER 2 ' 



fourteen molars. They present a dental formula, 
thus: 

Incisors, | — | ; Canine, \ — \ ; Molars, | — |. 

The incisors, six in each jaw, are divided as in 
the horse, into central, lateral and corner incisors. 
They differ from those of the horse in that the central 
are the smallest and the corner the largest. The 
incisors of the upper jaw are larger than the cor-, 
responding teeth of the lower jaw. 

* '•' The fangs, or canine teeth, two in each jaw 
are ver}^ strong, elongated organs, conical in form, 
curved backwards and outwards, and placed imme- 
diately after the incisors. The upper fangs are the 
thickest, and have a small space between them and 
the corner incisors, in which the inferior canines are 
lodged. These teeth are deciduous, like the incisors, 
and distinguished from the replacing ones by their 
being thinner and more elongated." 

The temporary 
molars are fourteen in 
number, six above and 
eight below. They 
vary in size, the first 
being the smallest and 
the last the largest. 

FIG. II. rr^, 11 

i hey each have a 
Anterior view of the canine 
and incisor teetli of a vear-old dog. sharp projecting point 




*Ch:uiveai'. 



VETERIX ART DENTAL SURGERY- 41 

or lobe, which fits in the notch between the lobes of 
the opposite side. The temporary incisors and 
canines all make their appearance at from two to six 
weeks. 

There are four temporary molars on each side in 
the lower jaw, and three on each side in the upper 
jaw. They are cut at about the same time that the 
incisors and canines make their appearance. The 
first temporary molar is the smallest and they grad- 
ually increase in size as they proceed backwards. 

The replacement of the temporary or deciduous 
molars takes place in a manner similar to that of the 
horse. The first temporary molars are replaced by 
permanent ones at five to six months; the second and 
third at about six months, and the fourth (lower) a 
few days later. 

The fourth upper molars, and the fifth lower are 
cut as permanent teeth at four to five months; the 
fifth upper and the sixth lower as permanent at five 
to six months; and the sixth upper and seventh lower, 
as permanent, at five and one-half to six and one-half 
months. The seventh molar (situated in the lower 
jaw), is sometimes cut much later and occasionally 
absent altogether. 

DENTITION OF THE PIG. 
Occasion seldom demands that an operation be 
performed on the teeth of the pig. Hence, I pro- 
pose merely to make an allusion to the form of denti- 



42 



VE r ERIN A R 1 ' DEN TAL S URGER T. 



tion in that animal and will not again take up the 
subject. 

The pig has forty-four teeth which are divided 
into twelve incisors, four canines, and twenty-eight 
molars. 

The incisors, six in each jaw, 
exhibit ver}' remarkable differ- 

P'W\ ences. The pincers (central) and 

1 ^ the intermediate (lateral) of the 

^ ' upper jaw, offer by their form 

and the cavity they show on 
their table, some analogy to 
those of the horse. In the lower 
jaw these teeth are straight di- 
rected forward, and bear some 
resemblance to the incisors of 
rodents. The corner incisors of 
both jaws are isolated between 
the intermediate (lateral) and ca- 
nine teeth, and are not nearlv so 
large as the other incisors. 

The tusks are very well de- 
veloped, particularly in the male, 
and cross each other during the 
life of the animal. The canines 
are, as it were, self-sharpeners. 




FIG. 12. 



Upper teeth of the In openins: and closino; the ia^vs 
p 1 g, table surface. 
Chauvcau. they glide against one another. 



VE TERINAR T DEN TA L S I 'RGER 2 \ 



43: 



and wear their ends to a sharp point, thus making 
very dangerous weapons of them. Should the ani- 
mal be inclined to make a detrimental use of them, 
they may easily be cut off with the tooth bhears^ 



;{y- 



FIG. 13. 

Lower teeth of the 
pig,table surface. Ckau- 
veati. 




FIG. 14. 

Lateral view of the- 
jaws of the pig. Chau- 
veaii. 



44 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY, 

Avithout injury to the animal. It makes the male 

-more docile to have them removed. 

The molars are seven in each row, and increase 

>in size from the first to the last. The first four of 
each row are temporary and are replaced by per- 
manent teeth. The temporary corner incisor teeth 
of the pig are up before, or some days after birth, 
and are replaced by permanent teeth at five to six 
weeks. The fourth molar makes its apj^earance as a 

•temporary tooth at five to six months, and is also 
replaced by a permanent tooth at two years. The 
fifth appears as a permanent tooth at one year; the 

•sixth at one and one-half to two years, and the 
seventh at three years. The temporary or milk teeth 
of the pig present a dental formula of : 
Incisors | — |; Canine \ — \\ Molars | 

-and the permanent dentition a formula of. 
Incisors | — |; Canine \ — } ; Molars \ — \ 



CHAPTER IV. 
ABSORPTION OF THE DECIDUOUS TEETH * 

" The processes of absorption of any tissue are ir*~ 
some ways similar to those observed in certain inflam- 
matory affections. In inflammation of the hard tissues^ 
in other parts of the body there is noticed an action 
upon the bonv materials by which they are slowly 
separated from the mass of hard tissue in their 
vicinity, and are at length either reduced to a form 
in which they may be taken up and removed by the 
natural organs of circulation, or they may be removed 
in part by absorption, aiKl the remainder may be ex- 
truded from the place it occupied in the tissues, thus 
completing the removal of the substance from the 
body. 

" All the hard tissues of the body are everywhere' 
permeated by delicate filaments of connective tissue, . 
which carry on the functions of nutrition in the part^ 
and are the means of preserving its vitality. This is 
true in the teeth as well as in other forms of hard 
animal tissue, and may be traced into the finer canaU 
of the dentine and has been thought to penetrate even- 
the structure of the enamel. 

*Blodgett. 

45 



46 VETERIN ART DENTAL SURGERT. 

The process of absorption of a temporary tooth 
commences at the a^DCx of the root in cementum 
-w^iich has heretofore shown no indications of any 
tendency to disease. The first recognizable step in 
the process of physiological removal of the primary 
teeth is found in a roughness of the cementum, a 
corrugation of the exterior of the root, with the solu- 
tion or at least the softening of the surface of the 
■cementum thus affected. This diminution of the 
firmness of the dental textures is then followed by 
the entire removal of the tissue at the root of the 
tooth and a progressive advance of the process of 
absorption towards the mucous membrane, until there 
remains only the margins of the gum to afford attach- 
ment to the crown of the tooth, the radical portion 
having entirely disappeared from the jaw. 

" The exciting cause of the normal absorption of 
the tissues of the milk tooth is the approach of the 
seconchiry or permanent tooth in the course of its 
^development. The second tooth growing from its 
papilla in an upward direction towards the position 
it is to occupy in the alveolar process, comes into im- 
mediiite proximity with the root of the deciduous 
tooth. The continued increase in the development 
of the secondary tooth is the cause of active phe- 
nomena at the apex of the root of the deciduous 
tooth, which resembles in many respects those of a 
moderate inflammation of the root. The result is a 



I 'E TERINAR 1 ' DENTAL S I Ri^ER 1 '. 47 

gradual reduction in the volume of the root, which 
is in an exact relation to the advance of the crown of 
the permanent tooth, so that at the time when the de- 
ciduous tooth is ready to be extruded from the jaw, 
the crown of the permanent tooth which is to suc- 
ceed it is often visible in the depression left after 
extraction of the remains of the milk tooth. 

" The manner in which the absorption of the root 
of the milk tooth is accomplished has been the sub- 
ject of careful study, and many theories have been 
advanced to explain this singular phenomenon. The 
most celebrated investigators in the domain of dental 
science have given the subject much attention. 
Czermak, Bodeker, Tomes and more recently 
Abbott have made valuable contributions to the 
solution of the question, which, however, cannot vet 
be said to be absolutely settled. All observers unite 
in describing the gradual excavation or corrugation 
of the hard textures of the root of the tooth, verv 
similar to the appearances noticed in the absorption 
of portions of ivory, surgical cat-gut, silk, etc., when 
brought into relation with the textures of the living 
and healthy organism. The substance of these 
materials is invaded by numerous cavities, in which 
a softened and jelly-like content is found, and which 
penetrates further and further into the textures of 
the tissue. The advance of the process of soften- 
ing is followed by continuous absorption of the dis- 



48 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

integrated textures of the tooth, and in this wav is 
brought about the removal of the entire radical 
portion of the dental structures. There is no attend- 
ing suppuration in the process of absorption, and 
the entire course of the process is devoid of pain. 
There is often a certain amount of redness and 
swelling of the soft structures about the neck of the 
deciduous tooth during the process of absorption, 
but this may well be due, in part at least, to the irri- 
tation of the tissues about the part, caused by pres- 
sure upon the shortened and loosened deciduous 
tooth, and also to the natural tendency to vascularity 
accompanying any process of growth or develop- 
ment. 

" The process of natural absorption of dentinal 
tissues bears no relation to caries of these textures. 
This event is one of natural removal of normal 
structures. Caries is the pathological degeneration 
of the same structures, by means of disease, and is 
accompanied, if not caused by chemical action and is 
universally the seat of disorganization of the tissues 
of the tooth; it is also accompanied by the presence 
of bacterial organisms, and usually also by the putre- 
faction of the products of the disorganization of the 
tooth substance. Caries takes its rise at all times 
from without. Absorption progresses from the apex 
of the root. Absorption is accompanied by a new 
formation of medullary or myxomatous tissue which 



VETERINARY DENTAL STJRGERT. 49 

invades the tooth structure and changes it into a 
material which can be taken up by the natural chan- 
nels of the part. In caries the softening is caused by 
the chemical decomposition of the calcified tentures 
of the tooth-structure, and is accompanied by putre- 
faction and the presence of micro-organisms. In 
physiological absorption there is simple removal of 
the softened tissues without the occurrence of putre- 
faction or the presence of micro-organisms. Further 
researches in the domain of absorption of the hard 
tissues, and especially those of the deciduous teeth, 
are greatly needed, and it is to be hoped that from 
such studies the obscure points in relation to the 
physiological removal of the hard tissues may be 
elucidated." 



CHAPTER V. 

PERMANENT DENTITION IN THE HORSE AND 
OX. DENTITION TABLES OF HORSE AND OX. 

The permanent teeth, both incisors and molars, 
are much larger and stronger than the temporary. 
The permanent incisors and first three molars absorb 
the roots of the temporary until there is but a small 
thin shell or cap remaining. This is gradually 
pushed out and finally displaced by feeding or bit- 
ing on some hard substance, and drops out of the 
mouth. 

In the horse the permanent teeth number forty; 
in the mare, thirty-six, the canine teeth being usu- 
ally absent, although they may occasionally be found 
in them somewhat rudimentary. 

Naturalists, for the purpose of classification, 
divide the back eeth into premolars, those which 
are shed ; and molars, those which make their first 
appearance as permanent teeth and are never shed. 
This division, however, is not usually recognized by 
veterinary surgeons. They designate the whole 
number of back teeth as molars. We occasionally 
find supernumerary teeth (wolf teeth, Fig. 14), sit- 
uated in front of the upper and lower molars — most 

50 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY, 



51 



frequently the upper molars. I have in two instances 
seen these small supernumerary teeth situated in 
front of both upper and lower molars, and back 
of both upper and lower incisors, making in all for- 







FIG. 14. 

WOLF TEETH. 

Showing differences in size and shape, 
ty-eight teeth in those mouths, eight of which were 
rudimentary. This condition, however, I believe to 
be very rare. The permanent teeth of the horse 
present a dental formula of: 

Incisors | — | ; Canines \ — | Molars |; or 
Incisors \ — |; Canines \ — \\ Premolars |; Molars |. 
An expert can readily distinguish between an 
iipper and lower molar, also the side to which each 
belong. The lower molars have one groove on the 
external lateral surface, running perpendicular to the 
wearing surface, with the exception of the sixth, 
which has two grooves. The supero-internal sur- 
face contains uneven sharp projections with well- 
marked depressions. The supero-external surface is 
rounded and smooth. 



52 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

The upper molars have two grooves or depres- 
sions on the outer surface instead of one, the anterior 
being the deeper of the tvs^o. Their inferior external 
edges are sharp and ragged. The infero-internal 
edge is somewhat rounded and only presents sharp 
points in exceptional cases. The upper teeth are 
much wider than the lower, and have much longer 
roots. The grinding surface of the lower molars is 
slightly concave, those of the upper slightly convex, 
although in most mouths a straight edge will touch 
all the teeth in a row if laid on their grinding sur- 
face. 

The roots of the upper teeth all incline slightly 
backwards. In the lower jaw the roots of the anter- 
ior three molars point slightly forwards, and the 
roots of the posterior three point slightly back- 
wards, leaving a small space between the third and 
fourth molar teeth until they thoroughly develop. 
In some instances this space exists throughout life, 
affording a place for foreign substances and food to 
become lodged. 

The incisor teeth meet edge to edge, and at five 
to six years the bodies are nearly perpendicular to 
one another. As the horse grows older they assume 
more of a horizontal appearance (stand out), until, 
in very old animals they sometimes have their inside 
surface nearly intact; they, like the molars, are the 
largest in the upper jaw. 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 53 

The permanent teeth are cut in pairs, two in 
either jaw, the upper teeth preceding the lower by 
some weeks, with the exception of the canine teeth, 
which first show below. It is the cutting of the per- 
manent teeth that inconveniences the animal, and 
often symptoms are noticed in the horse similar to 
those which occur in children during their first or 
temporary dentition. 




FIG. IS. 

i' 2' 3', Incisors; i," Canine; i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Molars. «, Posi- 
tion for trephining for 5 lower molar teeth. 

The respective pairs of incisor teeth are usually 
cut at intervals at from ten to fourteen months; that 
is, the lateral incisors are cut ten to fourteen months 
later than the central, and the corner, ten to fourteen 
months later than the lateral. The same rule is not 
applicable to the molars, for they are all cut (twen- 
ty-four), during the same period the incisor teeth 
(twelve), are cut. 



54 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

If we make the divisions, premolars (deciduous), 
and molars, then the rule will still hold good, for a 
pair in each group makes its appearance at the same 
time; but as has been stated, veterinarians designate 
all back teeth as molars, and it is the intention 
use that term only in this work. 

In describing the periods at which permanent den- 
tition takes place, diagrams will be used which rep- 
resent one-half of the mouth as in figure 15. 

The incisors being numbered i, 2, 3 — central, lat- 
eral and corner — and the molars in their order from 
before backwards i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 

The dentition of the colt at ten months old is 
temporary and is represented thus : 

Incisors. Molars. 

I, 2, 3. I, 2, 3. 

Permanent dentition is as follows: T, denoting 
temporary, and P, permanent teeth. 

Incisors. Canine. Molars. 

I, 2, 3. I. I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 

One year ....TTT PTTPOO 

Two years.. T TT PPTPOP 

Three years. P TT PPPPPO 

Four years.. P PT P PPPPPP 

Five years.. P PP P PPPPPP 

At five years these teeth are all up and in wear; 

the colt then becoming a horse and the filly a mare. 

The incisor teeth will average about two and a 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERy. 55 

quarter to two and one-half inches in length when 
they are fully developed. They shorten by being 
worn away on their table surfaces, and are much 
wider from side to side in a young animal, while in 
very old horses they are widest from before back. 
The upper teeth are the larger and usually have the 
outer edges of the corner incisors projecting, so that 
they do not wear evenly, leaving a point of more or 
less length, which gradually increases with age until 
the horse is from fifteen to sixteen years old. After 
this, owing to the gradual change in the position of 
"the incisor teeth the outer edges of the corner teeth 
slowly come into wear again, and the size of the 
projection decreases until, in very old horses, it 
occasionally entirely disappears. The projection is 
very often removed by artificial means without bad 
results. 

The molar teeth differ very materially with re- 
gard to the number of their roots. The first and 
sixth molars of both jaws each have three roots ; the 
second, third, fourth and fifth upper molars have 
each four roots, while the corresponding lower 
molars have only two roots. They also differ in 
size ; the first is the largest and shortest, the third 
the longest and the fifth has the smallest grinding 
surface. 

In extracting teeth it is of importance that the 
operator should know the direction of each individ- 



56 VETERINART DENTAL S URGENT. 

ual tooth while located in their alveolar cavities, and 
for that purpose I have inserted figure 15 and figure 
32 vv^hich w^ere taken from the jaws of a six-year-old 
horse of good size. The following figures represent 
the measurements of the teeth of the same head: 
Length of lower rows, 6| inches; upper rows, 7^; 
distance between sixth lower, 2|; between sixth 
upper, 3^; distance between first lower, i:^^-g-; be- 
tween first upper 2^-^\ distance between the fourth 
lower, 2 ; between the fourth upper, 2|-. Length of 
first lower tooth, 2J; first upper, 2-J; sixth lower, 3; 
sixth upper, 3J; third lower, 4^^^-; third upper, 3||-. 
The third tooth in each jaw was the longest. The 
pulp cavity in the teeth was still present, and 
extended about an inch up into the tooth, and was 
-f^ of an inch in diameter. Lower tusk from first 
molar, 3^; from third incisor, \^. Upper tusk from 
first molar, 2^|-; from third incisor, i|^. Space be- 
tween the lower corner incisor, from center to center, 
2^; between the upper, 2^^\ between lower tusks, 
2^; between the upper, 2 J. The measurements 
will vary with the size of the animal. 

Prof. Clark, in "Horses' Teeth" gives the follow- 
ing figures: — "Length of grinder rows, 7 inches. 
Space between the sixth grinders, upper rows, meas- 
uring from the inner surface, but not including the 
angles, 3 inches; center of rows, 2{|; first grinders, 
not including the space of the angles, 2 J^. Lower 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 57 

rows, between the sixth grinders, 2 J; center of 
rows, i^|-; first grinders, \\, Upper tusk from first 
grinder, 2 J; from third incisor, \\\ lower tusk from 
grinder, 3J; from incisor, \, Space between the up- 
per tusks, 2; between the lower, ij. Space between 
the upper corner incisors, measuring from center of 
teeth, 2; lower, i^; between the upper dividers, ij; 
lower, i|." 

PERMANENT DENTITION OF THE OX. 

The ox has thirty-two permanent teeth ; eight in- 
cisors, all in the lower jaw, and twenty-four molars, 
twelve in each jaw. Cattle, like horses, experience 
more or less difficulty while the process of the second 
dentition is taking place, although in a more modified 
degree. This is owing, to a certain extent at least, 
to the absence of canine teeth, which are a source of 
great trouble to the horse. 

The permanent teeth are much larger and 
stronger than the temporary ones. The incisors are 
wide and have a well marked neck ; as age increases 
and the wearing continues they gradually get 
shorter and shorter, the space slowly widens, all 
diameters diminish, and by the time the ox is twelve 
or fourteen years old, there only remains a stub 
whose table surface is nearly or entirely round, and 
very short. This is gradually pushed up by the con- 
traction of the gums, and, in very aged animals 
entirely disappears, so that they become toothless so 



58 VB TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T, 

far as their incisor teeth are regarded. As the teeth 
become worn down, the gums come more and more 
into wear, and in a measure assume the function of 
the teeth. The ox will continue to thrive fairly well 
in the pasture or stable, providing the molars or 
grinders perform their proper function. The corner 
incisors are sometimes regarded as the canine teeth, 
which, through the process of evolution have grad- 
ually approached the incisors until they at last rest by 
their side and present all the different characteristics 
accorded the other incisor teeth. 

There are very few cases where incisor teeth are 
developed in the upper jaws of cattle. Thus far but 
one recorded case has come under my observation, 
and that is related by M. Roche Lubin, who says: — 
"On the 14th of April, 1837, I was requested by M. 
Bonhome, who lives near Rhodez, to extract a tooth 
which was growing in the middle of the palate of 
his young bull. The novelty of the thing made me 
hasten to comply w^ith his request. The animal be- 
ing secured, I removed the tooth in the usual way. 
A very considerable hemorrhage followed its extrac- 
tion, which was performed with some difficulty on 
account of the tooth being firmly implanted in the 
palatine arch. It was situated at the middle of the 
median line, and was precisely of the same character 
as that of the usual incisor tooth of the ox." 

The molar teeth of the ox, like those of the horse. 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGERT. 59 

are twenty-four in number and are situated twelve 
in each jaw. When viewed individually they present 
marked differences. The first molar tooth in the 
lower jaw is small, and, with the exception that it 
has two roots, very much resembles a large remnant, 
or wolf tooth of a horse. The teeth gradually in- 
crease in size from the first to the sixth, which is 
about three and one-half times wider from before 
back than the first, and the wearing surface five 
times wider from side to side. The table surface of 
the lower molars is concave, the concavity amount- 
ing to one-half inch at its center. The teeth of the 
upper jaw are more even in size; the first being 
three-fourths of an inch in width from before back, 
and one-half inch from side to side, while the sixth 
is one and one-fourth inches from before back, and 
three-fourths inches from side to side. Their table 
surfaces present a convexity vs^hich fills up the con- 
cavity of the lower jaw when the mouth is closed. 

Their wearing surface is constructed on the same 
principle as that of the horse's molars, except that 
the eminences and depressions are more acute. There 
is no special rule that is applicable to all the teeth, by 
which the upper molars of the ox can be distin- 
guished from the lower; however, a careful study of 
each tooth will readily enable one to tell to which 
jaw and alveolar cavity it belongs. The roots of all 
the molar teeth point slightly backwards, and it is 



60 VETERINART DENTAL SURGER2'. 

owing to this fact that they are more easily extracted 
than the teeth of the horse. The lower molars each 
have two roots, while the upper have three roots. 

The following measurements were taken from 
the teeth of a fair sized pure bred Holstein cow at 
five years of age. Length oi lower rows, 5^ inches; 
upper rows, 5yg-; distance between sixth lower, 3^^; 
between sixth upper, 3!; distance between first 
lower, 3^; between first upper, 3; between third 
lower, 3^; between third upper, 3^^ inches. The 
incisor teeth gave the following measurements: 
Width of arch, 3|- inches ; depth of concave of arch, 
^ ; length of protruding portion beyond the gum of 
centrals, |^; length of central incisor, ii- inches; of 
first intermediate, y^^; of second intermediate, y^^; of 
corner -^^, Width of central incisors, ||- inches ; of 
first intermediate, -j5_; of second intermediate, -^-^^ of 
corner, y^^ ; distance between the first lower molar 
and incisors, 4J inches. 

The following formula represents the age at 

which the teeth are up and in wear. They make their 

first appearance at from six to nine months earlier. 

I, 2, 3, 4. I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 

*Firstyear..T TTT TTTPOO 

Second year. P TTT TTTPPP 

Third year. .P PTT PPTPPP 

Fourth year.P PPT PPPPPP 

Fifth year..P PPP PPPPPP 

*These deductions were made from personal observation on the teeth of 
a pure bred Holstein cow. 



CHAPTER VI. 

DISEASES DUE TO DENTITION— SYMPTOMS AND 
TREATMENT. 

The temporary dentition of the horse, unlike that 
of children, produces no serious results. The tem- 
porary teeth are cut and developed without any ap- 
parent change in the animal system ; the foal growing 
and thriving during the process. 

It is quite different with the permanent dentition. 
The animal often exhibits the most distressing symp- 
toms, losing flesh and often assuming a very dejected 
appearance which extends over a variable period. 

The canine and sixth molar teeth are the source 
of the greatest difficulty. When the canine teeth are 
about to be cut the gums become swollen, tender and 
painful to the touch. In aggravated cases the ani- 
mal refuses all solid food until pressed by hunger, 
when he will pick it up and handle it very carefully, 
endeavoring to place it as far away from the inflamed 
part as possible. In some instances he will chew the 
food for a short time and then let it fall out in the 
manger again. This condition has been met with 
on several occasions, and at first, I must say, it gave 
me some trouble to arrive at a correct diagnosis, little 

61 



62 VETERINART DENTAL SURGER7'. 

suspecting that the trouble was to be found in the 
region of the canine teeth. A crucial incision with 
the scalpel over the point of and down upon the tooth 
is in most cases sufficient to cause the immediate sub- 
sidence of the symptoms, after which the horse will 
commence eating, and rapidly regain his natural 
condition. 

Cases have come under my notice where the 
tumefaction in the lower jaw seemed to involve the 
incisor teeth, probably due to the close proximity of 
the canine teeth in that jaw. The whole anterior 
part of the jaw would become swollen and tumefied, 
the lower lip hang pendulous, and the mouth kept 
partially open, apparently for the purpose of reliev- 
ing the pressure and admitting the cool air to the 
parts. Febrile symptoms are present at times, with 
a considerable rise of temperature, showing more or 
less constitutional disturbance; the febrile symptoms 
however, are usually only local and confined to the 
parts affected. These symptoms soon subsided aftei 
the canine teeth of that jaw had been cut down upon. 

Professor Percival says, (Hippopathology, Vol. 
II, Part II, p. 226): 

" There was a time when, I must confess, I treated 
the subject of dentition so lightly as to think that 
horses never suffered or became disordered from such 
a cause. Experience, however, has altered my opin- 
ion. I can now in practice frequently discover young 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 63 

horses with disorder or febrile irritation upon them, 
the production or continuation of which I hesitate 
not to ascribe to teething, and I find these views are 
borne out by the rehef obtained by the increased atten- 
tion I am in the habit of giving to this assumed cause 
in my treatment. In illustration of this, I will here 
relate a case which occurred to me many years ago; 
the very one, in fact, which proved the occasion of 
my looking afterwards more closely into dentition. 

1 was requested to give my opinion concerning a 
horse, then in his fifth year, who had fed so sparingly 
for the last fortnight and so rapidly declined in con- 
dition in consequence, that his owner, a veterinary 
surgeon, was of opinion that the difficulty or inability 
manifested in mastication, and the consequent cud 
ding arose from preternatural bluntness of the sur 
faces of the molar teeth, which were in consequence 
filed, but without beneficial result. It was after this 
that I saw the horse, and I confess, I was at my first 
examination quite as much at a loss to offer any 
satisfactory interpretation as others had been. While 
meditating however, after my inspection, on the ap- 
parently extraordinary nature of the case it strucK 
me that I had not seen any tusks. 

I went back into the stable and discovered two 
little tumors, red and hard, in the situation of the in 
ferior tusks, which, when pressed gave the animal 
insufferable pain. I instantly took out my pocket 



64: VE TERINAR T DENT A L S URGER T. 

knife and made crucial incisions through them both, 
down to the coming teeth, from which moment the 
horse recovered his appetite and by degrees his 
wonted condition." 

He further says : — 

" The above case might Hkewise be quoted in 
illustration of another fact connected with this subject, 
which is that the cutting of the tusks — which may be 
likened to the eye teeth of children — costs the con- 
stitution more derangement than the cutting of all 
the other teeth together ; on which account, no doubt, 
it is that the period from the fourth to the fifth year 
proves so critical with the domiciled horse. Any dis- 
ease, pulmonary in particular, setting in at this inter- 
val is doubly dangerous, from its being augmented 
or kept up by the existing irritation of teething; in 
fact, teething is one auxiliarv cause of the known 
fatality among horses at this period of their lifetime." 

The effects of permanent dentition upon the con- 
stitution of the animal are many, and often of a 
severe character. In fact so much so that the animal 
will become very much depleted and w^ill be unable 
to withstand many of the surrounding conditions 
which are productive of disease. Among such dis- 
eases may be noted catarrhal disorders, cough, swell- 
ing of the glands, irritation of the eyes, eruptions of 
the skin, derangement of the bowels, (constipation 
and diarrhoea), urinary disturbance, loss of appetite, 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER 2 '. 65 

(as well as difficulty in mastication), pharyngitis and 
laryngitis (sore throat), and nervousness. 

These diseases do not necessarily exist in all 
horses, any more than do their analogues in the 
human subject. Some animals are very susceptible 
to any change in the system, and they are the ones 
that become most often affected. As a general rule, 
well bred animals are the most susceptible to diseases 
of any kind. 

The general symptoms which direct our attention 
to diseases of the mouth, whether in young or old 
horses, are discharges of saliva from the mouth with 

continual slobbering ; cudding of the food ; difficulty 
of mastication or deglutition or of both ; stench of 
buccal secretion, perhaps of breath as well ; more or 
less discharge from the eye ; more or less nervous- 
ness; exhibition of pain while drinking; constant 
motion of the head while at work; failing appetite, 
and consequently a falling off in condition. 

When the above symptoms are present, one 
should not fail to make a careful examination of the 
mouth. In fact, if I am called to treat a horse that 
is in his fifth year, I always look well to his teeth, 
and in a good many instances I have been able to 
diagnose the case without any further examination. 
Mistakes are oftener made in diagnosis by ignoring 
the mouth, than by placing undue weight upon a 
proper examination of that cavity. 



66 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGER2\ 

The cutting of the sixth molar is often preceded 
by a troublesome cough. This cough is loud, sonor- 
ous, prolonged and paroxysmal, the animal coughing 
twenty, thirty, or even forty times without stopping. 
It is a throat cough originating in laryngeal irritation, 
which the animal tries to rid itself of by coughing. 
The larynx becomes swollen and very sore in some 
instances from the transmission of the irritation from 
the seat of the tooth to that organ. 

Very often the horse is subject to various modes 
of treatment calculated to relieve the cough, but 
without benefit. This is not due in all cases to in- 
efficiency on the part of the veterinary surgeon in 
charge ; but rather to carelessness in the examination. 
A case of this kind came under my notice where 
the horse had been subjected to treatment for ten 
weeks, previous to my seeing him. All the remedies 
calculated to relieve a distressing cough, had in turn 
been administered without any perceptible benefit to 
the animal. I examined the mouth and found the 
gums very much swollen and tumefied over the lower 
sixth molars; when pressed upon the horse evinced 
the most excruciating pain, and endeavored to tear 
away. I made several bold incisions over each tooth 
cutting down against them. The animal seemed 
much relieved, and in a few days the cough entirely 
disappeared. This is only one of many cases of a 
similar nature that have fallen under my observation. 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 67 

The cutting of the upper sixth molar frequently 
causes slight catarrhal disorders. There will be a 
thin, clear, watery discharge from one or both nos- 
trils, usually the latter, which will continue as long 
as the irritation exists. 

It is at this age that " wolf teeth are so destructive 
to the eyes.'''' It is a well known fact that small 
supernumerary teeth (wolf teeth so called), exist in 
most animals at this age unless previously extracted. 
Their presence however, has nothing to do with 
disease of the eyes. The discharge from the eyes is 
due to the eruption of the last molar, and usually 
subsides when that tooth is once through the gums. 

Opthalmia, both periodic (moon blindness) and 
simple may result from teething; but in such cases 
we would suspect an hereditary tendency or pre- 
disposition to those diseases, which only want a 
sufficient stimulus to cause them to break out, when 
they will make their appearance. 

The removal of supernumerary teeth (wolf 
teeth), lancing the gums or withdrawing any teeth, 
acts as a counter irritant, and may possibly be followed 
by the remission of some of the opthalmic symptoms. 
An incision or a blister below the eye often will pro- 
duce the same result, so also will bleeding from the 
angular vein. Wolf teeth can never be looked upon 
as the source of serious disease of the eyes. If 
their removal is desired, it should be accomplished 



68 



VE TERINA RT D ENTA L S URGER T. 



by use of the elevator, or wolf teeth forceps, Fig. 
16-17. Punching them out merely breaks them off, 
and at most is a cruel practice, not worthy of a 
moment's consideration. Some horses are very nerv- 
ous at this time, throwing up the head every few 
moments while in harness. The nervousness usually 
passes away as soon as the teeth become fully de- 
veloped. 




FIG. 17. 

CURVED AND STRAIGHT WOLF TOOTH FORCEPS. 

In regard to dentition fever Hutrel D'Arboval 
says: 

" A sort of local fever originates in the alveolar 
cavities, running high or low according to the resist- 
ance the teeth encounter from the hardness of the 
jaws, or their own disproportionate size and solidity. 
The gums become stretched from the pressure of the 
teeth against them; they dilate, sometimes split; at 
the same time they are red, painful, and hot, even to 



VET ERIN ART DENTAL SURGERY, 69 

a sense of burning. Internally, the roots of the teeth 
from shooting downwards compress the dental 
nerves, and painfully drag the periosteal linings of 
the alveolar cavities. These combined causes will 
sufficiently account for the local irritation and suf- 
fering accompanying teething, and enable us to ex- 
plain many morbid phenomena we find appearing in 
horses about this time from various circumstances, 
the most critical period of their lives." 

Horses from four to five years old are more sub- 
ject to this species of dental irritation than those 
younger, and it is well known among horsemen that 
they will stand more fatigue at a younger age than 
they will at this. It is a common expression that "I 
had rather work a three than a four year old horse; 
they will stand more." 

If the temporary teeth seem to hinder the erup- 
tion of their successors, they are to be removed. 
Care, however, should be exercised in removing tem- 
porary teeth. It should be evident, beyond doubt, 
that they are causing- trouble and are retardinsf the 
growth of the permanent teeth that succeed them. 
It is said that the temporary tooth, in becoming ab- 
sorbed, furnished cement for the permanent teeth. 
Clarke says, (" Horses' Teeth," p. 48): 

"It naturally follows that much of the cement 
surrounding the crowns of the permanent teeth, is 
derived from them (temporary teeth), thus lessening 



70 VE TERINAR T DENT A L S URGER T. 

the drain on the permanent tooth pulps, which are 
all the better able to supply cement for the roots of 
the permanent teeth. The scarcity of cement on the 
crowns of milk teeth is probably owing to the fact 
that they had no cement to absorb. The evil of ex- 
tracting healthy milk teeth is obvious." The ele- 
vator is a very handy instrument for removing the 
caps or deciduous molars when they once become 
loosened. Just insert the bent portion between the 
cap and permanent tooth and by giving it a sudden 
twist the separation is easily effected. 

The practice of extracting incisor teeth is some- 
times resorted to by unscrupulous dealers who wish 
to make their horses appear older than they really 
are. After the teeth have been extracted the mouth 
has somewhat the appearance of having shed those 
teeth in the natural way. This deception when prac- 
ticed, is easily detected by any one who is acquainted 
with the mouth m its natural condition. Unless the 
temporary tooth has been removed by artificial means, 
the permanent will make its appearance before it (the 
temporary) is shed. 

Cattle frequently suffer from the cutting of the 
teeth, as well as the horse. There will be loss of 
appetite, redness and heat of the mouth, the gums 
will become swollen, tumefied and very painful to 
the touch ; the head hangs down and there will be a 
discharge from the eyes and nose, with alternate con- 



VETERIXAR2' DENTAL SURGERY. 71 

stipation and diarrhoea. The cough is not so severe 
as in the horse, but such as would lead the casual 
observer to think the animal vs^as suffering from a 
slight cold or bronchitis. The animal w^ill often stand 
aw^ay from the rest and appear more or less dejected. 

Speaking of diseases occurring during dentition, 
Professor Williams says: "In young cattle, ranging 
from two years old and upwards, the cutting of the 
permanent molar teeth is occasionally a matter of 
some difficulty, owing to the unshed crowns of the 
temporary ones becoming entangled in the new teeth, 
proving a source of irritation, and preventing the 
animal from feeding. In some parts of the country 
such animals are called 'rotten' from their emaciated 
condition, and perhaps from the odor emanating 
from the mouth, arising from the imprisoned and 
decomposing food." 

"When an animal of this age is seen to stop feed- 
ing, to lose condition, or to drivel from the mouth, it 
is necessary that the mouth be duly examined, and, 
if the unshed teeth are the source of irritation, they 
ought to be at once removed. Many hundreds of 
young cattle have been sacrificed from this cause; 
when a proper examination has not been made, they 
have actually died in the midst of plenty." 

Dogs and sheep frequently suffer from the same 
disorders and present similar symptoms, which when 
found to be present should receive prompt attention. 



CHAPTER VII. 

CARIES OF THE TEETH. 

Forms, Causes, Symptoms, Results and Treatment. 

Caries of the teeth of the domestic animals is of 
frequent occurrence and so rapid is its progress 
that the whole tooth or even adjacent teeth become 
involved before its existence is noticed. Occasional 
cases however, produce marked symptoms at the 
outset, even before the roughness which it produces 
can be detected by the most delicate touch. No 
part of the tooth is exempt from this disease. It 
may attack the external surface of the crown, neck 
or root, or it may begin in the center of the tooth 
around the pulp cavity and gradually extend out- 
ward. Yet there are places which are more liable to 
attack than others. The depressions on the grind- 
ing surfaces of the molars and the neck on the side 
opposite an adjoining tooth ; the latter no doubt 
being due to an accumulation of food between the 
teeth. 

The molars are the teeth usuallv affected, the 
incisors rarely, and the canines practically never 
suffer from this affection. In no instance has there 
been brought to my notice a case of carious canine 

72 



I ^E TERINAR 1 ' DENTAL S URGER 1 



73 



teeth in the Hving animal, although I have seen its 
effects on those teeth in one skeleton. 



r 



— a 





FIG. l8. 
FIRST LOWER MOLAR SHOW- 
ING EFFECTS OF CARIES. 

a. Wire passing through 
cavity of tooth, b. Removal 
of dentine, the result of car- 
ies, c. Inferior opening of a. 
Fig. 20. d. Caries of the 
fang. 



FIG. 19. 

SAME TOOTH OPPOSITE 
SIDE. 

a. Wire drawn through 
cavity extending to b. c. 
Continuation of same cav- 
ity. 



The attack and progress 
of caries are much modified by 
the constitution of the teeth. 
These may be defective either 
originally or accidentally. 
Oriofinal defectiveness extends 
to all the teeth of the same 
individual, due to a constitu- 
'^^^:.7ZrZ°:JlTtion.l predisposition, whilst 

UREs 18 AND 19. accidental defectiveness exists 

a, b, Opening of cavi- . 

ties on table surface. only as to some of the teeth m 




FIG. 20. 



74 VE TERINAR 1' DENTAL S URGER T. 

the same mouth, and in many instances these only 
at particular points. Such conditions are peculiarly 
favorable for the attack of caries. When the 
whole crown of the tooth is imperfectly organized, 
the decay will progi'ess with uniform rapidity under 
the influence of uniformly persistent agents till the 
whole is destroyed. But when it is only a portion 
of the tooth, the caries may after a time become 
retarded in its progress, and in some cases checked 
altogether. 

By making an examination of the teeth of a 
large number of horses which were destroyed for 
dissection, the latter condition referred to was fre- 
quently found present. In some subjects teeth were 
found with a central depression on the table surface, 
which extended to a variable depth and to all ap- 
pearances were perfectly free from any carious 
particles. In others small specks of decayed, earthy 
material were noticed on the sides of the cavities 
while the bottom of them was perfectly sound. 
Every gradation from a perfectly healthy to a 
completely diseased cavity has been noticed. 

In examining the teeth of living animals I have 
often found the same condition present. 

Among the many circumstances which modify 
the progress of this disease, are a change in the 
character of the agencies producing it, as well as an 
increase or diminution of the amount of such agen- 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER 1 '. 75 

cies. The mutability of these agencies are almost 
infinite, being constantly modified by various exter- 
nal and internal causes ever present. 

The progress of caries will also be governed some- 
what by the age of the animal whose teeth it 
attacks, the nature of the food, as well as the con- 
stitution of the teeth themselves. The normal con- 
stituents of the teeth present almost an infinite 
variet}' of relative proportions, even in animals of 
the same age, and continually varying at different 
ages. As age progresses the teeth like the bones 
are constantly undergoing a change; the earthy 
elements increasing and the animal decreasing. 
This condition arises from defective organizing pow- 
er or from a failure in the arrangement and com- 
bination of materials and is entirely dependent upon 
accidental causes. 

The greater the nutritive supply of a tooth the 
less liability will there be to caries, hence dimin- 
ished nutrition increases the liability of caries ; in 
old animals and especially horses, the teeth receive 
but little nourishment, so that in them we oftener 
find decayed teeth than in young animals. 

The decayed portion of the tooth varies in color 
according to the hardness of the teeth. In some it 
is black, in others brown, while in some it is nearly 
white, var3'ing but little from the naturaV color of 
the tooth. There are no doubt other circumstances 



76 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

which influence the color of the decayed part, but 
just what they are is not easy to determine. 

The study and investigation of the phenomena 
attending caries of the teeth of domestic animals, is 
a difficult problem and one not easily solved. Pro- 
fessor Williams says: "Caries, dental gangrene or de- 
cay, is almost exclusively confined to the molar teeth, 
although I have seen the incisors in that condition. 

*Caries of the molars may commence primarily 
with the fang, neck or crown of the tooth. 

"Caries of the fang arises from inflammation of the 
pulp, and may be caused by a constitutional predis- 
position or external injury. Inflammation of the pulp 
does not always cause caries. I have seen several 
cases on record where the fangs were enlarged from 
a periodental deposit, with abcesses surrounding 
the fangs without caries. Caries commencing at the 
fang may be due to obliteration of the pulp cavity 
at an age when the vitality of the tooth depends 
upon the integrity of the pulp. I need scarcely re- 
mind the professional readers that the integrity 
of the teeth depends upon due supply both as to 
quantity and quality of nutritive materials. On the 
fangs of the recently cut tooth but little crusta-pe- 
trosa is met with, compared with that which exists 
in old teeth. As age advances the crusta increases 
and the tooth grows from the outside, 

* Williams. 



VETERINARV DENTAL SURGERT. Tl 

In proportion as the pulp diminishes, so is the 
supply of nutriment to the tooth lessened, until at 
length it is entirely cut off from the interior; and to 
provide for the vitality of the tooth under these 
circumstances, the crusta-petrosa increases in quan- 
tity on the fang and at the expense of the perfectly 
formed dentine lying in immediate contact with its 
inner surface. That is to say, this layer of dentine is 
converted into crusta-petrosa by the dental lacunae 
undergoing dilatation and becoming identical with the 
hollow spaces or cells of the crusta. The tooth now 
draws its nourishment from the blood vessels of the 
socket, and thus it continues long after the oblitera- 
tion of its pulp cavity, to serve all purposes as a part 
of the living organism. This is the natural con- 
dition of old teeth; but when the pulp cavity is ob- 
literated at an early age by a too rapid formation of 
dentine, and consequent obliteration of the pulp, 
when the crusta is not yet sufficiently developed to 
supply nourishment to the whole tooth, caries must 
be the result. 

Many cases of caries of the teeth^that have come 
under my observation, have resulted from the above 
cause and very often the disease is confined to that 
part of the crusta-petrosa that dips with the enamel 
into the interior of the tooth, splitting up the tooth 
into several perpendicular fragments from crown to 
fang. 




78 VE TERINAR T DENT A L S URGER T. 

Caries of the neck (cervix) 
of the tooth is seen in those 
horses whose teeth are wide 
apart, and is caused by the food 
remaining in the interspaces and 
by decomposition exciting in- 
flammation in the periodental 
membrane. 

Caries commencing at the 
crown or table, is due to a por- 
tion of the dentine losing its vital- 
FiG. 20. 

ity, and the power of resistinsr 

GENERAL CARIES OF A -^ ^ ^ 

TOOTH. the chemical action of the fluids 

of the mouth; a portion of the enamel of the crown 
may be fractured by the animal accidentally biting a 
piece of hard stone or metal contained in his food. 
Mere fracture of the enamel is not sufficient of itself 
to lead to caries of the teeth of the lower animals, 
foi it is a substance that is gradually worn off by the 
attrtion of the teeth continually going on during 
mastication; but the pressure which has been suf- 
ficiently great to cause fracture of the enamel, may 
at the same time have caused such an amount of 
injury to the subjacent dentine, that it dies and pro- 
gressively becomes decomposed. 

Symptoms. — There will be quidding of the food, 
in some instances the animal will pick up the hay, 
chew it until it is formed into a bolus thoroughly 



VETERIXART DEXTAL SURGERl'. 79 

mixed with saliva, then let it fall into the manger. 
I saw one case where the manger and floor of a box 
stall was literally covered in the morning with 
boluses of partially masticated hay. It gave off a 
very offensive odor, which was due to decomposition 
of the saliva and food. Some animals will hold their 
head to one side, in order to keep the feed from get- 
ting between the diseased teeth, will chew naturally 
for a time, then quit suddenly, drop the feed, and 
perhaps rest the affected side of the head against the 
manger or side of the stall. A foul odor will also 
emanate from the mouth in many instances. If in 
the lower jaw there may be external swelling, with 
a fistulous opening after a time, opposite the diseased 
tooth ; if in the upper jaw, there may be a discharge 
from one or both nostrils (from one side only if there 
are carious teeth on one side, and from both sides if 
there are carious teeth on both sides) with more or less 
bulging of the sinuses, which upon percussion will 
give a dull sound. Tapping the tooth gives intense 
pain in many instances. The mouth internally will 
be more or less swollen, red, hot, tender and painful, 
while a tumor of considerable size may be seen or 
felt with the hand in the region of the diseased tooth. 
On making an examination of the tooth there 
will, in the majority of cases, be found a cavity of 
greater or less extent. The whole tooth may have 
decayed leaving only the roots. In others one side 



80 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER 7'. 

may have decayed away, leaving the remainder of 
the tooth thin and sharp, which in some instances 
leads to laceration of the tongue, if the inside of the 
tooth remains, and laceration of the cheeks if the 
outside remains. In other cases the tooth may be 
only slightly rouj^hened where there will be. a ten- 
dency to the accumulation of tartar. There will be 
more or less accumulation of food .in the cavity, 
w^hich when removed will give off a very offensive 
and disagreeable odor, giving rise to the popular 
term, "rotten teeth." 

EFFECTS OF CARIES. 
The effects of caries var}^, but chief among 

them, is death of the tooth and its subsequent re- 
moval. If caries of the teeth exists in a young animal 
exposure of the pulp first takes place and there occurs 
that peculiar and well known sensation, so dreaded 
by the human family, toothache. Inflammation and 
suppuration follow, by which a discharge is estab- 
lished from between the margin of the gum and 
tooth, or a fistulous opening is formed. If the cari- 
ous tooth is an upper one, and the third, fourth, fifth 
or sixth, this fistula communicates with the sinus 
opposite, but if the first and second, it communicates 
directly with the nasal cavities, and if the tooth is 
located in the lower jaw the fistula usually opens on 
the lower margin of the inferior maxilla, opposite 
the root of the affected tooth. 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 81 

Caries of the third upper molars is frequently 
the source of excessive pain, and is to be very much 
dreaded. It is more sensitive when diseased than 
any other tooth, from the fact that the maxillary 
branch of the fifth pair of nerves make their exit 
upon the face through a foramen, which is located 
directly over the root of this tooth. This fact must 
not be lost sight of in trephining for its removal; 
for, should this nerve be injured in any manner 
during the operation, the animal will suffer greatly 
and become unmanageable for further operation 
unless it be cast and secured. 

The fourth, fifth and sixth molar teeth of the 
upper jaw are situated directly below the large 
maxillary sinus, from which they are separated by a 
thin plate of bone. They communicate with the 
sinus as easily as do the first and second with the 
nose ; but lead to far different results. 

When inflammation or caries is sufficient to destroy 
this thin plate of bone, the pus which is formed 
passes into the sinus, sometimes particles of food 
accompanying it. By its presence the mucous mem- 
brane of the sinus becomes irritated and will either 
slough or become thickened, developing large eleva- 
tions of the nature of polypi; or they may form 
osseous tumors. Both forms by addition attain suffi- 
cient volume to fill the sinuses and cause a bulging 
of the facial bones. The pus all this time is very 



82 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

abundant, the more liquid portion passing out 
through the openings connecting the sinuses with 
the nasal chambers, while the thicker portion remains 
in the cavity. It gradually undergoes a transforma- 
tion becoming thick and greasy looking, with a very 
offensive odor. 

Should the above condition be present in a young 
animal, before the facial bones have become firmly 
united or grown together, the pressure exerted by 
the enclosed pus may be sufficient to force them 
apart, destroy the skin, escape through the fissures 
and pass down over the face. This condition does 
not often occur, yet I have noticed it on several 
occasions. 

November 2d, 1888, Mr. N. Boyles,of Richland, 
Mich., brought to the infirmary a bay gelding 
twelve years old, suffering from a distension with 
pus, of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. There 
was a copious discharge of fetid pus from both 
nostrils as vv^ell as from an external opening which 
had formed just below the eye. The molar and 
lachrymal bones had had their articular surfaces 
separated allowing free exit for the pus. 

The sides of the face presented a very disgusting 
appearance not unlike that usually noticed in severe 
cases of poll-evil and fistulous withers. 

The diseased bone was removed, exposing the 
frontal sinus; the fingers and bone cutting forceps 



VE TERINART DENTAL S URGER T. 83 

being used for that purpose. Both right and left 
maxillary sinuses were then trephined and thoroughly 
cleansed by turning the hose into them. After 
removing all the pus the sinuses were treated with 
injections of carbolized water containing a small 
amount of common salt. These dressings were 
repeated daily for six weeks, at which time the 
horse was sent home much improved. The im- 
provement continued until complete recovery took 
place. 

This horse had a carious tooth extracted the 
previous September and was at that time also suffer- 
ing from a discharge from the nostrils. Had the 
sinuses at that time been trephined so as to allow 
the pus to escape, the latter trouble would undoubt- 
edly have been avoided. 

If there is a fetid discharge from the nostril, due 
to a carious tooth, it is always advisable to trephine 
the sinus at the lower border, and as nearly opposite 
the diseased tooth as possible. The sinus should 
then be cleansed and afterward dressed with carbol- 
ized water, one part of the acid to thirty or forty of 
soft water. 

Dr. Sayre, a celebrated veterinary dentist of 
Chicago, and who has had much experience in oper- 
ating on carious teeth says: " I always trephine if 
there is a fetid discharge from the nostrils, due to 
carious teeth producing ulceration of the sinuses. 



84 VE T ERIN A R V DEN TAL SUR GER Y. 

even if I first extract the diseased teeth with the 
forceps." 

Tumors may make their appearance on the gums 
or exostoses on the roots, as a result of decayed 
teeth. A diseased condition of the alveolar process 
is occasionally produced by dead or carious teeth, as 
also in extensive caries of the jaw bone. Inflamma- 
tion of the mucous membrane of the mouth (some- 
times giving rise to the condition termed Lampas), 
is an exceedingly common result of diseased teeth. 
This inflammation may become very extensive in- 
volving the whole membrane of the mouth, ex- 
tending to the throat, where it causes an irritable con- 
dition giving rise to a more or less troublesome 
cough. 

Just how far this inflammation may extend is diffi- 
cult to say, for the mucous membrane of the mouth, 
nasal chambers, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus 
and bronchial tubes are continuous, without any 
definite line of demarcation. It does not seem prob- 
able that a number of diseased teeth involving in 
their disease (especially in young animals), all the 
ramifications of the facial nerves, and the whole 
mucous membrane of the mouth, could remain for 
any considerable period without producing grave 
results. 

Indigestion in the chronic and even acute forms 
is frequently associated with carious teeth and 




VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 85 

is due to imperfect mastication of the food. A very 
offensive and disagreeable odor is also emitted from 
the mouth, especially if the carious condition is far 
advanced. 

Young animals affected with carious teeth yield 
more readily to its effects and sooner become emaci- 
ated than older animals similarly affected. 

Figure 3i represents caries of the 
right lower corner incisor of a gray 
mare six years old. The correspond- 
ing temporary tooth was not shed in 
the natural manner. It remained in 
position until the mare was past five 
years of as^e, and was then removed 

FIG. 21. -^ ^ ' 

External sur- with the forceps, but not until par- 

FACE OF PERMA- ,• n j- i i U ^.u 4- i-U 

NENT CORNER IN- ^^^^^7 ^isplaccd by the tooth repre- 
cisoR TOOTH. sented in Fig. 21. After the re- 

moval of the temporary tooth, the gums about the 
wound began to tumefy, and became very tender to 
the touch, so much so that it materially interfered 
with mastication. As a result the animal fell away 
in flesh and presented a rather dejected appearance. 
About six months after the first operation the gums 
were lanced and the tooth illustrated extracted, 
affording marked relief, the gums in a short time 
assuming a natural condition. This tooth being a 
permanent one has never been replaced by an- 
other. 



86 



VE TERINAR V DENTAL SURGERY. 




FIG. 22, 

A LONGITUDINAL FISSURE 
THE RESULT OF CARIES. 



Fig. 22 is a drawing 
made from a tooth which 
represents a very common 
form of caries. A fissure 
(a) in the crown extending 
from the interior to the pos- 
terior edge of the tooth, 
dividing it into nearly equal 
parts, extends down the side 
(<^) to the root. This is a 
very c o m m o n f o r m of 
caries, and usually termi- 
nates in longitudinal fracture of the tooth from the 
crown to the root. The fracture is the result of 
food collecting in the wedge-like groove and forcing 
it apart. Feed will accumulate in the fissure often 
giving a round bulging appearance to the cheek, 
Avhich subsides as soon as the accumulation is arti- 
ficially removed. Should the round, bulging appear- 
ance be due to paralysis of the muscles of the cheek, 
it will remain more or less pendulous after the feed 
has been taken away. 

The fourth molars are more liable to caries than 
any of the other teeth. This is due no doubt to the 
fact that they are the first permanent teeth to make 
their appearance, consequently they are less devel- 
oped than those which appear later in life. Being 
the first permanent teeth erupted they are subjected 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGER Y. 



87 



to all the irritating influences attendant upon the 
removal of the temporary, and the appearance and 
development of the permanent teeth. There also is 
usually a space of greater or less width between the 
third (temporary) and fourth molars, affording 
lodgment for foreign substances. 
TREATMENT. 
If the disease exists to any considerable extent it 
will be necessary to effect the removal of the affected 

FIG. 25. 




EXTRACTING FORCEPS (SIDE VIEW.) 

teeth. If the disease is limited and the cavity small, 
the tooth may be filled, if located so that it is acces- 
sible. The incisors, canine and first three molars, 
can usually be reached with sufficient ease to effect a 
filling of the cavity. The subject of filling will be 
treated in a separate chapter. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
DENUDING OF THE TEETH. 

This is an affectation which rarely attacks the 
teeth of the horse, though quite frequently affecting 
the teeth of the human family. It consists in a 
gradual wasting away of the enamel and underlying 
dentine on the external or labial surfaces of the inci- 
sor teeth, first attacking the central, then the lateral, 
and finally the corners. It begins nearest the table 
surface and forms a horizontal groove, which is very 
regular and smoothly constructed. After the enamel 
has been removed and the dentine exposed it rapidly 
continues its inroads upon that tissue. So rapid is 
this destruction of the dentine that it sometimes 
undermines the enamel to such an extent that it is 
broken off in shell-like pieces. The dentine assumes 
a brownish or grayish color with disintegration of 
its structure. 

The process of this affection is exceedingly vari- 
able, sometimes so rapid that the dentine becomes 
exposed in a few months, while at other times its 
progress is very slow, requiring a number of months 
or years to remove the enamel. In all cases it is 
much more rapid in the horse than in the human 

88 



VE TERINAR V DEN TAL SUR GER Y. 89 

family, where the process of denudation is so slow- 
that it often takes from ten to twenty years to accom- 
plish the same result. It usually makes its appear- 
ance at the approximal corners on the labial surfaces 
of the central incisors. From here it gradually 
involves the whole labial surface of the tooth, after 
a time implicating the lateral incisors, which also at 
first become affected on their labial surfaces where 
they approximate the central pair of teeth. Unless 




FIG. 23. 
DENUDING OF THE CENTRAL AND LATERAL INCISORS. 

the progress of the disease is checked or entirely 
impeded in its progress, it will gradually extend until 
it involves all the incisors of that jaw. As far as my 
observation and knowledge of this disease extends, I 
can not say that any other teeth than the upper inci- 
sors ever become affected. I see no reason however, 
why they should remain immured from an attack of 
this disease, unless its cause can be attributed to the 
acidity of the buccal secretions of the mouth. 

On June 23, 1S89, Mr. Shattuck, of Covert, Michi- 



90 VE TERINA R V DENTAL S UR GER V. 

gan, offered a mare four years old for operation, pre- 
senting the following symptoms: The animal was 
much emaciated, had a parrot mouth, the upper jaw 
extending one inch beyond the lower jaw. Inferior 
incisors and molars sound and perfectly formed. 
The upper, central and lateral incisors were denuded 
on their labial surface, the whole of the enamel hav- 
ing been removed from the outer surface of the cen- 
tral pair. On examination the molars of the upper 
jaw were found to have assumed a like condition, 
there being but one of them that appeared sound 
(the first right upper). Their external surfaces were 
partially or wholly denuded, and in some instances 
the whole table surface was absent. The affected 
teeth were very sensitive when tapped with the for- 
ceps or mallet. The animal either refused all hard 
food or ate very sparingly. 

My attention was next directed to a full brother 
of the mare, but two years older. A parrot mouth 
of about the same appearance was noticed. The 
incisor teeth of the upper jaw were dark, and showed 
signs of disintegration, and undoubtedly will soon 
become denuded. The lower incisors and all the 
molar teeth w^ere of abnormal appearance. 

On inquiring into the history of the dam of these 
horses, the owner informed me that the same condi- 
tion was present, and that her teeth had been defec- 
tive for some time. 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL S URGER V. 91 

This particular case seems to have been the result 
of hereditary transmission, and adds weight to the 
theory of original defectiveness as the cause of 
denuding of the teeth. 

CAUSES. 

I am unable to positively assign the cause or 
causes which produce denudation of the teeth. 
There are influences which do exist and might be 
brought to bear upon the teeth in such a manner as 
to bring about the condition described, but whether 
they are the true cause or not I am unable to say. 
Mechanical abrasion, friction of the lips, presence 
of acid in the saliva and original defectiveness of the 
enamel, as the seat of the disease, may all have more 
or less influence in the production of this patholog- 
ical condition. 

The latter (original defectiveness), I believe to be 
the true cause, though this is only a hypothesis 
which has not yet been definitely proven. It appears 
less objectionable than any of the other conditions 
enumerated. We do know that one or more teeth 
in a mouth may be defective without there being a 
corresponding defectiveness in the other teeth. Did 
the lower teeth as well as the upper become affected, 
the acid theory would seem very plausible. The 
buccal secretion contains an acid which in the back 
part of the mouth is mixed with saliva, which dilutes 
the acid to such a degree as to possibly render it 



93 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 

harmless to the molar teeth. It may be that the 
tongue and natural flow of saliva (owing to gravita- 
tion), over the lower incisor is sufticient to dilute the 
acid contained in the buccal secretion to such an ex- 
tent as to render it inactive. The theory of imper- 
fect organization, I am inclined to believe is the true 
cause of this affection. There is yet room for a 
more thorough investigation of this subject, though 
the number of cases coming under the notice of the 
veterinarian are very limited. 

TREATMENT. 

The only treatment which has thus far proved 
satisfactory is the thorough removal of all diseased 
tissue, and then filling the cavity. An amalgam 
composed of tin, silver and mercury answers all pur- 
poses. This effectually retards the progress of the 
disease for a time. In some cases all future difficulty 
is avoided in this manner. For instruction for filling 
teeth see Chapter XXI. 

While preparing this chapter the following case 
was reported to me by A. C. Runyan, D. D. S., of 
Bangor, Michigan. The reported case is as follows: 
''I think the horse was about five years old, do not 
know what gender, owned by one of our liverymen 
here. It would not eat its food properly and in con- 
sequence was in very poor condition. As nearly as I 
can remember only the superior incisors were affect- 
ed. The two centrals were the worst and appar- 



VE TERINA R Y DENTAL S URGER V. 93 

ently had commenced at their approximal corners on 
the labial surface. One of them was completely de- 
nuded of enamel for one-fourth the distance up from 
the cutting edge and the others were nearly as bad 
leaving the dentine completely exposed. Consequent- 
ly the teeth were very sensitive. There seemed to be 
a disintegration of the dentine at the point of union 
with the enamel. The carious dentine could be 
removed for nearly one-tenth of an inch under the 
enamel and was of a brownish or grayish color. The 
enamel of the affected teeth varied from the normal 
color at the gums to a white or chalky color where 
the disease was progressing to a light brown where 
it was crumbling away. 

TREATMENT. 

I removed all the carious dentine, cut back the 
enamel to where it seemed firm, made suitable under- 
cuts and put in amalgam filling. The amalgam 
used was about equal parts of tin and silver melted 
together and run into an ingot and filed, and the 
filings mixed into a stiff paste with mercury. 

I never have seen the horse since, but inquired 
about it once or twice. Its owner thought it could 
eat much better, but disposed of it in a few days 
after the operation, so I do not know how successful 
it may have proved." 



CHAPTER IX. 

EXOSTOSES, THEIR NATURE, CAUSE, SYMPTOMS 
AND TREATMENT. 

An exostosis is a bony enlargement, and may 
exist on any part of the osseous framework. Ring 
bone, side bone bone spavin, and splints furnish us 
the best example as to its development. When con- 
fined to the teeth it attacks no other part of a fully 
formed tooth than the root. If it exists on the 
crown or free surface of a tooth it is developed with 
the tooth. As has been already noted the tooth con- 
sists of enamel, dentine and cementum, or crusta- 
petrosa. The latter alone only of these tissues con- 
tain sufficient vascularity for the development of 
these tumors. 

The exostoses assume various sizes, shapes and 
positions. They usually commence near the extrem- 
ity of the root, covering more or less the vv^hole 
external surface. Others, however, surround the 
root at some distance from its extremity; and others 
develop on the sides forming a large tubercle like the 
one illustrated in Fig. 24. 

Here we have one of those tubercles developed 
on each side, the deposition continuing until they at- 

94 



V£ TERINAR V DENTAL SURGEK V. 



95 




tained a great size. These tubercles have the color, 
density and structure of cementum. In some in- 
stances the color 
varies, assuming a 
yellow tinge. Such 
exostoses are usu- 
ally harder than the 
lighter colored ones. 
In the human sub- 
ject the deposition 
of osseous material 
is so extensive as to 
involve two or more 
teeth which become 
thoroughly united. 

Showing an exostosis a, />, on both Xhis condition I 
sides, two-thirds natural size. 

have never observed 

in the domestic animals, with but a single excep- 
tion; that being where the sixth and seventh low^er 
right molars of a hog had become firmly united, 
resembling a single tooth. 

CAUSE. 
Some attribute it to external injury; others to 
irritation of the periosteum surrounding the root. 
The tooth from which the above drawing was made 
is perfectly sound and does not show any signs of 
ever having been diseased. I am inclined to think it 
is due to a constitutional diathesis following the same 



FIG. 24. 

SECOND UPPER MOLAR. 



96 VJS TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGER Y. 

law as exostosis upon any other bony structures of 

the body. 

TREATMENT. 

The only treatment practicable is the extraction 
of the tooth, for when once established there is no 
remedy which will promote its absorption. In re- 
moving a tooth affected by exostosis great care must 
be exercised lest the alveolus, and even the bone 
itself, may become fractured. It is a good plan to tre- 
phine down onto the exostosis and remove a portion 
of the alveolus of sufficient size to allow the tooth to 
slip out without fracturing the jaw bone. 

C. E. Sayre, D. V. S., of Chicago, Illinois, 
reported a very interesting case of an exostosis on 
the roots of a lower (third) molar tooth. The tooth 
had partially decayed and was a source of much 
trouble to the patient. Upon making an examina- 
tion it was found that there had been complete sepa- 
ration of the tooth and dental periosteum allowing 
the tooth to become loose in its socket. It could be 
rotated very easily with the finger. He endeavored 
to remove it with the extracting forceps but did not 
succeed. Trephining was then resorted to, an open- 
ing being made directly over the roots of the tooth. 
On exposing them an exostosis was discovered com- 
pletely encircling th« tooth a short distance from 
the end of the root. This enlargement formed a 
complete circle around the tooth and very much 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURER Y. 97 

resembled a tooth that has had a buggy washer 
slipped over it, it being very nearly as prominent. 

Fig. 24 represents an exostosis upon each side of 
the root, {a) and (3) representing the osseous enlarge- 
ment. They show no signs of ever having been 
diseased. The specimen for the above drawing was 
presented by L. R. Brady, V. S., Manhattan, Kansas. 

The following case was reported by Frank Allen, 
of the American Veterinary College: 

* " On the 9th of February an aged bay gelding 
was brought to the American Veterinary College 
for dissecting purposes and on the i ith of February, 
when placed on table and about to be destroyed, his 
breath was found to have a very offensive odor and a 
muco-purulent discharge was observed from the left 
nostril ; he had eaten all right from the time he was 
brought in, but no previous history could be 
obtained. The diagnosis of a decayed tooth was 
made and on post mortem the following lesions were 
observed : 

The fourth upper molar on the left side was found 
loose and a very slight pull with the fingers brought 
it from the alveolus, which was extensively diseased 
and ulcerated ; the mucous membrane and hard palate 
were thickened and discolored around the diseased 
tooth. On making a transverse section of the skull 
at the level of the fourth molar, there was noticed 

•American Veterinary Review, Vol, XIII, Page 36. 



98 



VE TEE IN A R Y DEN TAL S URER V. 



between the superior and the turbinated bones in the 
middle meatus an irregularly shaped bony mass about 
two inches in circumference and weighing between 
two and three ounces ; it was one and a half inches 
from the diseased molar. The pressure of this mass 
had caused necrosis and absorption of part of the 
superior turbinal and partial absorption of the nasal 




FIG. 25, 

THIRD LOWER RIGHT MOLAR SHOWING AN EXOSTOSIS WHICH 
INVOLVES TWO SIDES OF THE TOOTH. 

bone above it, making a shallow depression not notice- 
able from without. The septum nasi on a level with 
this mass, had a circular hole the size of a fifty cent 
piece communicating with the right nostril and the 
whole of the mucous membrane was thickened and 
congested. The bony partition between the inferior 
maxillar}'^ sinus and the nostril was absorbed, clearly 
showing that at one time the growth had been at- 



VE T ERIN A R V DENT A L SURGER Y. 99 

tached to the fang. The crown of the molar was 
perfectly normal. On making a section of the mass 
it appeared to be composed of material resembling 
crusta-petrosa. 

The drawing in Fig. 25 was made from a tooth, 
taken from a horse, the property of Mr. William 
Charles, of Bangor, Michigan. The history of the 
case as given by Mr. Charles was as follows: 

"For two years previous to the operation (Sept. 
5th, ''^^^^ the horse had gradually declined in flesh, 
being unable to properly masticate his feed. After 
a time a foul and disagreeable odor emanated from 
the mouth, the gums on the right side of the lower 
jaw becoming red with gradual enlargement over 
the region of the third molar. As the disease pro- 
gressed the difficulty in mastication increased, until 
the coarse feed had to be cut very fine. The grain 
consisted of corn, oats and wheat, which was ground 
as fine as possible. All kinds of feed were swallowed 
whole. By this mode of feeding the animal was kept 
in such condition that he could be worked. 

On the above date I was requested to examine 
the horse and, if advisable, to operate. On making 
an examination of the mouth I found a large tumor 
over the region of the third lower right molar. It 
was of sufiicient size to cause a bulging of the cheek 
that was noticeable at a distance. The tumor was 
partially denuded at its upper extremity. The third 



1 00 VE T ERIN A R V DEN TAL SUR GER Y. 

as well as the second molar was loose in its socket, 
if it could be said to have one, and by moving the 
teeth I could feel a movement of the tumor corre- 
sponding to the movement of the teeth. The first 
molar of that jaw was also diseased, being slightly 
carious. 

The third molar was first extracted with the for- 
ceps, the tooth coming comparatively easy ; the second 
then fell out of the mouth of its own accord. The 
first was also extracted. The mouth was then 
thoroughly cleansed with carbolized water. When 
the animal was released he immediately began feeding 
on some grass which had been thrown into the 
manger for another horse. The mouth entirely healed 
up in eight wrecks, the horse rapidly regaining his 
former condition. He was also able to eat whole 
grain and coarse feed which was thoroughly masti- 
cated, but requiring longer time than when his teeth 
were perfectly sound. 

Two years later I was again called to operate 
upon the teeth of the same animal; they were all 
more or less diseased on that side of the head; were 
loose and when extracted were found to be covered 
with exostoses, which varied in size from a pin's head 
to a bean. This animal also suffered from a spavin. 
After carefully examining the above conditions I 
have come to the conclusion that in this case there 
was a well marked ossific diathesis with a tendency 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



101 



to affect the teeth as well as the other bony structures 
of the body. 

The tooth imbedded in the exostosis is a small one, 
yet the tooth and tumor combined after two years' 
curing weigh five ounces. 

The second molar had been crowded out of its 
normal position, rotating in its movement until its 
diameter from before back, and its diameter from 
side to side had changed positions, the external 
border coming into contact with the posterior border 
of the first molar. The relative position of the 
second and third molars are illustrated in Fig. 26. 




FIG. 26. 

SECOND AND THIRD LOWER RIGHT MOLARS. 

Showing the position the 2 had attained during the 
growth of the exostosis on the 3, a anterior proxim,al 
surface. 



102 VB TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

This tooth had no attachment whatever to the soft 
structures, but was retained in the mouth by the 
exostosis on the third molar. 

CHARACTER OF THK EXOSTOSIS. 

I have not been able to make out definitely the 
class of structure entering into the formation of the 
osseous tumor. During its growth it has enveloped 
such foreign substances as hay and hair which are 
now plainly visible. Nearest the tooth it has the 
appearance of crusta petrosa, while the more remote 
portions resemble a calculus deposit, not very firm in 
texture. That portion next the tooth however, has 
taken a very high polish from coming in contact 
with the teeth of the upper jaw which passed down 
upon the inside of the tumor. Had the tumor not 
been worn away by this friction it would undoubtedly 
have weighed at least two ounces more. 

The osseous walls of the sinuses, also become the 
seat of osseous tumors — exostoses. The inferior 
maxillary sinus is most often the seat of this disease, 
although the superior maxillary and frontal sinuses 
sometimes suffer from a similar affection. 

These tumors or exostoses present a variety of 
forms; some are entirely composed of bone, some of 
bone and cartilage, some of cartilage, and others bone 
and fungous flesh. 

The first consists of a deposition of bony material 
between the bone and periosteum, to both of which 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T lOS 

it firmly adheres. This form sometimes attains' 
sufficient size to bulge out the walls of the sinus,* 
giving it a rounded appearance, and in some instances^ 
breaking through the bone. 

A case of this kind was brought to my notice 
where great bulging of the facial bones had taken 
place over the inferior maxillary sinus. When first 
seen, an opening had formed externally, which 
established communication with the tumpr. The 
owner of the animal merely wanted an opinion at 
the time, wishing to have the operation, if one was 
necessary, deferred. He called again later and 
requested me to operate which I did. By this time 
a portion of the skin had sloughed away, exposing 
the exostosis to full view. A circular portion of 
bone was removed from over the exostosis, which 
was then removed by aid of the bone forceps. The 
cavity was dressed with antiseptic lotions, complete 
recovery taking place in a short time. 

The second variety consists of bone and cartilage, 
with more or less fungoid matter distributed through- 
out its formation. It is the variety most often met 
with, frequently giving rise to a fetid discharge 
from the nostril on the side where it is situated. 

The third variety is that composed of cartilage. 
This undoubtedly is the earliest stage of the two 
preceding varieties and by ossification, if left alone, is 
developed into bone, forming the true osseous tumor. 



104 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERT. * 

The fourth variety consists of fungous growth 
very firm and containing small spicules of bone. 
This form very much resembles osteo-sarcoma. It, 
like osteo-sarcoma has a malignant character, and 
seems to be dependent upon some constitutional 
diathesis. It is very rarely noticed in horses ; cattle 
however, suffer occasionally from its effects. 

Exostoses present a variety of external forms, 
varying from a soft, spongy and cellular mass to a 
very compact and dense osseous tissue. 
SYMPTOMS. 

These exostoses may exist for a very long time 
without giving rise to any serious symptoms. It is 
rarely that the presence of the disease is suspected 
previous to the bulging of the external walls of the 
sinus. Occasionally however, they exert a pressure 
upon the turbinated bones, causing more or less 
difficulty in breathing. It is only when the sinuses 
are opened up with the trephine that their presence 
can be definitely ascertained. Sometimes thei-e will 
be a discharge of a fetid character taking place from 
the nostrils. Percussion will enable us to diagnose 
a filling up of the sinus, but as this may be due to a 
variety of causes, all of which present similar symp- 
toms, we can not arrive at a true diagnosis. 

The author has repeatedly found the sinus, 
especially the inferior maxillary, partially or wholly 
filled up with these bony growths, when trephining 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 105 

for the purpose of removing teeth. The exostoses 
if soHd very seldom do any harm until they exert 
undue pressure upon the teeth or walls of the sinus. 
I am inclined to believe from the frequent discovery 
of these exostoses, when trephining, that they are 
often the true cause of caries of the teeth, or inflam- 
mation of the dental periosteum. 

CAUSES. 
Exostoses on the walls of the sinus are due to both 
local and constitutional causes. The local causes are 
injury to the walls of the sinus by external violence, 
which either fractures the bones or sets up an inflam- 
mation of the inner lining of the sinus. Nature in 
endeavoring to assist the restoration of the parts, 
causes new bone cells to form, which greatly multi- 
ply, forming bony tumors of variable sizes, according 
to the extent of the injury. The constitutional causes 
would be the same as those which bring about the 
production of bony tumors in other parts of the bony 
framework, an ossific diathesis. We sometimes see 
colts that were born with exostoses upon certain 
parts of the skeleton. This is especially true of the 
inferior maxilla. We have seen numerous instances 
where there was an exostosis on this bone about the 
region of the anterior and the middle third, varying 
in size from a bean to an English walnut, and of 
various shapes; some oblong, others oval, and in 
some cases very elongated ones have been observed. 



l06 VETERINART £>EN7AL SURGERT. 

TREATMENT. 

No treatment will completely arrest these growths, 
and a dispersion of an exostosis on the walls of the 
sinus can never be effected. Blisters and absorbents 
may slightly arrest their growth, but will not entirely 
cause its removal. It is not desirable to remove an 
exostosis, unless it continues to increase in size, and 
produce deleterious effects or is productive of serious 
inconvenience. 

When it becomes necessary to remove the exosto- 
sis, it should be fully exposed. This may be accom- 
plished with the ordinary trephine and separating 
saw, after having properly dissected away the soft 
parts; care being taken to prevent injury to the sur- 
rounding tissue. If the tumor is attached to the 
outer walls only, of the sinus, by removing the walls 
the tissues can be brought away with it. If attached 
to the internal vs^alls of the sinus by a broad base, its 
removal is more difficult; the bone cutting forceps, 
Fig. 39 with the saw and bone chisel, will be neces- 
sary to accomplish its removal. 

If the exostosis be cartilaginous or of a fungoid 
growth, a heavy pair of scissors will be strong 
enough to remove them. If a portion of the exos- 
tosis remains, the application of the actual cautery 
will prove beneficial by causing an exfoliation of the 
diseased portion. The Paquelin thermo-cautery is 
an excellent instrument for cauterizing. When the 



VETERINARJ DENTAL SURGERY. 107 

latter treatment is pursued that portion exfoliating 
should not be neglected and allowed to fall down 
and remain in the bottom of the cavity, or it will set 
up an irritation which will produce a discharge of 
pus through the nostrils that will remain until the 
exfoliated portion is removed. 

Dr. C. E. Sayre, professor of veterinary dentistry 
at the Chicago Veterinary College relates the follow- 
ing cases: 

"During January, 1887, I was called to see a 
horse, the property of Mr. M. on Twelfth street. 
The history as given by the owner revealed the fact 
that the animal had received a kick on the lower jaw 
a year before, since which time there had been a 
slight discharge continually taking place over the 
region of the injury. 

"On examination I found a small sinus under the 
third lower right molar which, by passing the probe, 
proved to be very shallow, not more than a half inch 
in depth. At the bottom of the sinus necrosed bone 
conld be easily detected. I suspected caries of the 
third molar, but by a careful examination of the tooth 
could detect no trace of disease. The gums adhered 
firmly to the tooth. I then concluded that there was 
a small sequestrum of necrosed bone and advised 
trephining and its removal. Dr. Drake who was 
with me at the time coincided with my views. 

"After applying the twitch we proceeded with the 



108 VETERIN ART DENTAL SURGERT. 

operation, using a ^ inch trephine, cutting through 
and removing the external bony plate. We found 
underneath it a piece of necrosed bone, about as large 
as a good sized pea. We made a careful examina- 
tion of the wound, but could not find that the sinus 
extended any deeper. The wound did very well, 
and in a few days healed up nicely, but much to our 
disappointment only remained so a short time, when 
it broke out and discharged the same as before. We 
were then very certain that we had made a mistake 
in our diagnosis, and that the tooth must be involved ; 
yet examination by the mouth did not help us to 
diagnose the difficulty. However, we advised the 
removal of the tooth, but the owner of the horse 
would not consent. He then placed the animal 
under the care of Dr. Craig who said the tooth was 
perfectly sound, and that the sinus could be healed in 
a few weeks. After treating the horse for three 
months with no better results than ours, he was 
returned to the owner. The following November I 
was again called to see the horse, and could then 
pass the probe three inches into the pulp cavity of 
the tooth. This convinced the owner that the tooth 
was unsound, and I was ' asked to extract it. On 
account of the age of the horse (six years), the teeth 
being very long at this time, I decided to trephine 
and drive the tooth out. As we already had a sinus, 
all we needed to do was to enlarge the opening 



VBTERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 109 

which we did, and expose the fang of the tooth. 
Placing the punch on the tooth, a few heavy blows 
with the mallet drove it up into the mouth. On 
examination of the tooth after its removal we found 
the root ulcerated and covered with numerous small 
exostoses, and the entire pulp cavity diseased. The 
jaw was then examined and found to be slightly 
necrosed, also several small exostoses on the second 
molar which could be felt through the opening made 
by the trephine. I was about to place the punch on 
this tooth and drive it out, but much to my disap- 
pointment and disgust the owner would not consent. 
I could not convince him that the tooth was diseased, 
so had to abandon its removal, well knowing that 
time would verify my diagnosis. I never saw a case 
do better, and very much to my surprise healed up 
entirely. I could not believe that I had made a mis- 
take, and time proved I had not. In a few weeks it 
broke out as before. It was not until March, 1888, 
that the owner consented to have the tooth removed. 
We found quite a different horse this time on which 
to perform an operation. Before he was very 
docile; now after one experience in the stocks he was 
almost unmanageable. However, I succeeded in 
trephining without much difficulty, but when the 
punch was placed on the tooth we found it impossible 
to strike it, on account of the head being kept in 
continual motion. The horse was then cast and the 



no VETERINARY DENTAL SURGER2 . 

tooth driven out. After this operation he became 
very vicious, so that it was dangerous to dress the 
wound. As a consequence, the jaw swelled very 
much. A poultice was finally applied when the 
inflammation subsided. We were then able to dress 
the wound, but it healed slowly, taking three months 
to recover. The jaw was left somewhat thickened. 
We applied blisters to this several times, and now it 
is so smooth that it is only by close inspection it can 
be detected. 

I regard this as one of the most instructive cases 
that has ever come to my notice. It shows that there 
may be ulceration of a root of a tooth without any 
sensible manifestation of disease in the mouth, such 
as the shrinking of the gum away from the tooth, as 
we have heretofore been taught is always the case." 

"A case very similar to the above occurred in one 
of my own horses. He was purchased in May, 1888, 
and had a discharge from the fang of the second 
lower molar of the right jaw. He had received a 
kick on the jaw about a year before. The horse 
being very nervous and determined we thought best 
to cast and place him under the influence of an 
anaesthetic. Equal parts of chloroform and ether 
were administered, and in twenty minutes we pro- 
ceeded with the operation. An opening was made 
with the trephine over the roots of the tooth which 
was easily driven out with the punch and mallet. In 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. Ill 

about half an hour the horse got up, but seemed 
quite weak for a few minutes. He quickly recovered 
however, and took his feed as usual that evening. 
He did very well, and I left for the West a short 
time afterwards, expecting to find him all right on 
my return, but much to my disappointment there 
was a slight discharge from a small sinus, which 
extended up towards the first molar. The tooth on 
examination by the mouth showed no evidence of 
disease. The horse was again cast and the tooth 
removed. No ulceration was present, but inflamma- 
tion of the pcriodental membrane was well marked 
which would undoubtedly have resulted in ulcera- 
tion. Recovery took place very slowly, but per- 
manently. The wound could not be dressed on 
account of the viciousness of the horse. 

"In cases of the above nature I should advise a 
complete operation at the first attempt, removing all 
the diseased teeth and bones, as horses invariably get 
very nervous and hard to handle after a second opera- 
tion, and it is impossible to give them the care they 
require." 

C. E. Sayre, D. V. S., relates the following case 
of an exostosis situated on an incisor tooth : 

"I had a case of exostosis on the left lateral upper 
incisor, as large as a good sized hickory nut. The 
tooth itself was very soft, in fact appeared to be only 
made up of crusta-petrosa, an^l had worn away almost 



112 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY, 

to the gum and appeared perfectly sound. The 
gum was very much inflamed around it, and when I 
undertook to extract it, I found it very difficult to do 
so, and had to cut the alveolus on both sides before I 
could effect its removal." 

Dr. W. L. Williams, of Bloomington, 111., reports 
the following case of dental cyst: 

"An eleven months old French draft filly of excep- 
tionally good form, size and quality, was brought to 
our hospital suffering from extreme dyspncEa, and 
showing an enormous swelling of the facial bones on 
left side. 

"The owner first noted signs of disease some two 
or three months previously, when upon sudden 
exertion slight dyspnoea was evident, and about the 
same time the bulging of the facial bones was noted, 
both of which symptoms increased rapidly up to date 
of admission to hospital. 

"The central part of facial swelling was about two 
inches above the fang of fourth superior molar, and 
apparently was due to some affection of the teeth. 
There was no nasal discharge and nood or discernable. 
The general health and condition of the filly was 
good. 

"It was decided to trephine into the enlargement, in 
order to determine the exact nature of the affection, 
and after passing through the ordinary thickness of 
bone, v^^e came upon a hard, tooth-like substance 



VETERINART DENTAL S URGENT. 113 

barring our way. A small opening at one side of 
the tooth tumor permitted the escape of about two 
pints of pale-yellowish serum. 

"The opening through the facial bones was en- 
larged, exposing a large part of the surface of the 
dental tumor, a steel punch was placed against it, 
when with several sharp blows it was broken from 
its attachments. It was .found impracticable to 
remove the tumor entire, so it was broken up by 
means of heavy bone cutting forceps and removed 
in pieces. The tumor was irregular in form and 
weighed about four ounces. 

"The surrounding cyst from which the tumor had 
been removed and the fluid had escaped, had enlarged 
to such an extent, as to destroy all partitions between 
the sinuses on the left side, converting all into one 
great cavity completely occupied by the cyst which 
by its great size, had encroached upon and occluded 
the left nasal passage, and by pressure upon the nasal 
septum had crowded it over into right nasal pas- 
sage, seriously diminishing it in extent, necessitating 
great effort in respiration. 

"The inside of cyst was thickly studded through- 
out its extent with soft, rough pyramidal bony eleva- 
tions 5^ to i^ inches in diameter at base, and %to]^ 
inches from base to apex. 

"On the outside the cyst was smooth, covered with 
mucuous membrane, and detached from the facial 



lU VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

cavity throughout the greater part of its extent, and 
was readily removed by means of strong dressing 
forceps. The removal of the cyst disclosed the sen- 
sory branch of facial nerve, entirely devoid of its 
bony sheath, stretching across the facial cavity. 

"At points where the cyst walls were continuous 
with the facial cavity, the bony papillae were care- 
fully removed, and the entire cavity dressed with 
carbolized oil and iodoform. 

"Improvement was prompt and rapid, healthy 
granulations appearing over the entire extent of the 
cavity. In about a week the walls of the cavity 
receded promptly, relieving the dyspnoea and decreas- 
ing the outward bulging, and on the twelfth day 
after admission she was discharged apparently on the 
safe road to recovery. Six weeks later the owner 
reported her as practically well." 



CHAPTER X. 
FOREIGN SUBSTANCES. 

THEIR SOURCE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT — FRACTURES 
OF THE TEETH — HOW CAUSED — MEANS OF EFFECTING 
THEIR REMOVAL. 

It frequently occurs that foreign substances, such 
as sticks of wood, pieces of corn cobs, wheat, rye 
and barley beards become lodged between the teeth 
or in the gums. These substances may be forced 
between adjoining teeth or may become lodged cross- 
wise of the mouth between the right and left rows 
of upper molars. Occasionally but rarely, sticks 
become lodged between the corner incisors. Where 
horses are fed corn, the cobs sometimes become 
lodged in the roof of the mouth. 

SYMPTOMS. 
Continual champing of the jaws; excessive flow 
of saliva, at first frothy, but gradually becoming 
clear and ropy. If of long standing the saliva 
will have an offensive odor, the result of disease 
of the soft structures coming in contact with the 
foreign substance. Appetite increased, sometimes 
ravenous, but the animal is unable to take any food ; 
great thirst with difficult deglutition ; rapid emacia- 

X16 



116 VBTERIN ART DENTAL SURGERY. 

tion, and general weakness if the foreign substance 
is not removed. On the whole, the animal after a 
few days presents a very dejected appearance. 
Examination of the mouth will reveal the true nature 
of the difficulty. 

TREATMENT. 

Remove the cause, and if the mouth is sore from 
having been lacerated, dress it with alum water two 
or three times a day for several days; allow plenty of 
soft food until the wound heals. 

Barley, rye and wheat beards sometimes prove 
very annoying and troublesome by forcing their way 
into the soft structures of the mouth. When present 
they are usually found on the under surface of the 
tongue and in the gums, outside of the lower teeth. 
They produce irritation which is shown by more or 
less champing of the jaws, free flow of viscid, some- 
what fetid saliva. More or less pain is evinced while 
eating. After their complete removal the mouth 
soon regains its natural condition. Animals that are 
troubled in this manner or that have sore mouths, 
should not be allowed to feed on straw which con- 
tains beards, as they are sure to prove a source of 
more or less annoyance to the animal. 

Dr. Sutton, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, related a 
case to me where a piece of corn cob had become 
lodged between the right and left sixth upper molars. 
When brought to him for treatment it had suffered 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 117 

for two weeks and was reduced to a mere skeleton. 
He readily diagnosed the trouble and removed the 
cause. The horse rapidly regained his former con- 
dition. 

While practicing at Kalamazoo, Micljigan, I was 
called to treat a mare that had been suffering for 
three days from some cause, which the owner was 
unable to diagnose. However he had attempted 
treatment and as a result the whole mouth w^as blis- 
tered from the effects of the medicine which he had 
administered. When I first saw the mare she was 
standing in the stall hanging the head and champing 
the jaws. There was an abundant flow of viscid 
saliva from the mouth which was ropy and presented 
a fetid odor. On making: an examination of the 
mouth, I discovered a piece of corn cob lodged 
between the upper and sixth molars. It had become 
so firmly lodged thiit it was with some difficulty that 
I effected its removal. The under surface of the cob 
had been worn smooth by the continual motion of 
the tongue, which had as a consequence, become 
very much lacerated and swollen. The after treat- 
ment consisted of cooling lotion to the mouth and 
soft food for a few days. 

*"The editor of The Veterinarian reports the 
case of a pony that came near starving from having 
a stick fastened in its mouth. No fracture of the 



*C.'lark, Horses' Teeth, Page 201. 



118 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER 1 . 

bone was produced, but the account of the case 
is worthy of insertion notwithstanding that fact, 
for it illustrates a class of mishaps to which the 
horse is subject. He says, ( Vete7'inarian^ 1^55? P* 

33°):" 

" A pony was turned into a pasture and was not 

seen for several days. The owner found it standing 
in the corner of the field looking dejected and thin, 
with a small quantity of viscid saliva escaping from 
its mouth. He took care of the pony for a few days 
during which time it took nothing but a little water, 
which it drank with great difficulty. Our attendance 
was now requested. Examination disclosed a stick 
about the size of one's finger, firmly wedged across 
the palate between the corner incisors. Its pressure 
had produced extensive sloughing so that the bone 
was completely exposed. The pain was so great 
that the animal stoutly resisted our efforts to remove 
the cause of its suffering. This, however, was soon 
done, and the parts being cleaned with tepid water, 
were afterwards dressed with tincture of myrrhae. 
Little after treatment was necessary beyond the daily 
application of the tincture, a mash diet and the substi- 
tution of oat meal gruel for plain water. 

The following case was reported in the American 
Veterinary Review and is interesting in that it 
shows the varied symptoms which the presence of 
foreign bodies may produce. 



VE TElilNAR r DEN^TAL S URGER T. 119 

DENTAL NEURALGIA. 

BY MR. MACORPS. 

*"An old horse had for about a week refused food, 
carrying his head down and resting the occiput up- 
ward against the lower border of the manger, as if 
trying to raise it. The patient was dull and listless, 
the mucuous membranes pale, the coat staring, the 
flanks retracted. At times the muscles of the neck 
were the seat of slight trembling, and he had convul- 
sive movements, as if in great pain. Careful inquiry 
into the history of the trouble failing to throw any 
light upon the case or aid in the diagnosis, a minute 
examination of the mouth was made when a black 
foreign body was found projecting between the first 
two molar teeth of the lower jaw. This was knocked 
off with a chisel and hammer, and followed within 
an hour by complete recovery." 

FRACTURES OF TEETH. 

Fractures of the teeth sometimes occur and 
become a source of great annoyance to the animal. 
The fracture may arise from various causes and 
assume various forms. The tooth may be fractured 
longitudinally, through the center, or transversely 
through the crown, neck or fang. Sometimes the 
crusta-petrosa or external layer of enamel becomes 
separated from the main portion of the tooth. This 
latter condition I have frequently found present in 
colts from one to two years of age. Fig. 27 and 

♦American Veterinary Review, Vol. x., Page 272. 



120 



VETEniNARr DENTAL SURGERT. 




28 represent shells which have become separated 
from the tooth. They are very thin and only made 
up of cement and dentine. The symptoms presented 
in the two cases were similar; there 
was great emaciation, bulging of the 
cheek, quidding of the food, fetid 
odor emanating from the mouth; 
great difficulty was experienced in 
masticating the food. On examin- 
ing the mouth large quantities of 
partially masticated food were found 
FIG 27 lodged between the two portions of 

Portion of ex- the tooth. This had become sour 

ternal l^jer of en- ^ j ^ disagreeable odor. 

amel which has -j ^ 

become separated After its removal the separated por- 

f r o m a m o I a r 

tooth, a, cross tion of the tooth could be easily felt 

section. /^, lateral • 1 1 r 

view. and was removed with the lorecps. 

Fractures of the teeth may be produced in various 

ways. External injury such as a 

blow or a kick, biting gravel, small 

stones, sticks, nails, bolts, burrs, 

pieces of iron, &c. Fractures of the |^ 

molars also frequently take place 

after the incisors have been dressed ^iq 28. 

down, especially if enough has been removed to keep 

them from coming together. Longitudinal fractures 

of perfectly sound teeth are sometimes seen in young 

horses, the cause of which is rather imperfectly 

understood. I have on several occasions been called 




VETERINART DENTAL SURGER2' 



121 



to remove such teeth, the cause of their fracture 
being unknown. On examination after removal 
they appeared perfectly healthy. These cases always 
occurred soon after the tooth had made its appear- 
ance as a permanent one. Unless their organization 
was defective or their growth excessive, I am at a 
loss to account for the fracture. Transverse fracture 
of the root is usually the result of a kick. In such 
cases a sinus will form, opening on the external sur- 
face of the jaw. They give the animal much pain 
during the process of mastication. Fig. 29 shows a 
tooth with a fractured fang. The fractured ends are 

worn smooth by the constant 
movement of the root in its 
socket. The root remained in 
the alveolar cavity after the 
extraction of the crown. It 
was loose but was situated so 
far below the border of the 
gum that it was impossible to 
grasj) it with the forceps. The 
instrument represented in Fig. 
51 was then devised and made 
out of a piece of 5-16 toe calk 
With it the root was 




FIG. 29. 



FOURTH LOWER RIGHT stCCl 
MOLAR. <^, P O I N T OF 

FRACTURE. casily removed.* 



*I would say that the above instrument is one of the best for removineroots 
that remain in the cavity and are too short to Rrasp with the forceps, iliave 
two of them, one as represented in the Fig,, and the other with the curve just 
the reverse. 



122 VETERINART DENTAL SURGER7\ 

TREATMENT. 

The treatment consists in removing the frag- 
ments of teeth. This may be accompHshed in va- 
rious ways, either the forceps, elevator, or trephine 
and punch may be used, w^hichever best answers 
the purpose. If the tooth is carious and an upper 
molar, accompanied by a discharge from the nos- 
tril, it is best to use the trephine, even after the 
remaining portion has been removed. That portion 
which is absent may have passed up into the sinus, 
and unless removed will keep up a continual irrita- 
tion, attended by a constant discharge (of a very fetid 
character), from the nostrils. Whole teeth occasion- 
ally pass into the sinus and produce serious results. 
I have never seen a case where a fraefment of tooth 
had passed into the sinus but have taken whole teeth 
from those cavities. The after treatment will con- 
sist in keeping the parts clean and if trephining has 
been resorted to, the opening should receive proper 
attention. 

During the summer of iS8S a large brown mare 
was brought to Dr. B. C. Thomas, D. V. S., of 
Chicago, which had been discharging from the 
right nostril for some time. The walls of the sinus 
were very much bulged. On examination he found 
the fourth upper molar split and the inside half gone. 
He easily extracted the other half and by exploring 
the cavity with the finger found it to be full of feed. 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 123 

He then trephined the frontal and superior maxil- 
tary sinuses, and much to his surprise found the 
other half of the tooth in the frontal sinus. It was 
removed through the opening made by the trephine, 
the mare making a good recovery. 

*"C. D. House, Veterinary Dentist performed an 
unusual operation on a 7-year-old horse, the property 
of Mr. J. T. Allen of Hartford, Conn. In 1S76 a 
surgeon( .'') made an incision in the right cheek and 
knocked out a large part of the fifth upper grinder. 
The violence of the operation, fractured both the 
tooth and the jaw, imbedding a large fragment of 
the former in the bone above the socket. A year 
afterward, the horse still suffering and discharging 
matter from the nostril, Mr. House was requested 
by Mr. Allen to examine, and if possible cure him. 
He failed however to discover the cause of the dis- 
charge, and it was not until the expiration of another 
year that he determined to probe the case to the 
bottom, the horse in the meantime having suffered 
as usual. Making an instrument of the proper size 
and shape, he introduced it into the nostril, seized the 
tooth fragment and drew it forth, the horse at that 
instant making a deep expiration, which blew out 
several fragments of bone, and a part of the root of 
the tooth. The animal made a good recovery." 



* Clark's Horses Teeth. 



CHAPTER XL 
DENTAL CYSTS. 

One of the most interesting features in connec- 
tion with the study of the teeth is the fact that they 
may be developed in almost any portion of the body. 
They are found in connection with the sinuses of 
the head; the temporal bones; the frontal bones; the 
base of the ear; the space between the angles of the 
lower jaw; the lumbar region; the testicles and 
ovaries and near the kidneys. These teeth may 
exist singly, in pairs or in clusters. 

Dentigenous cysts contain fully developed teeth 
which closely resemble a molar tooth in all its parts. 
They are made up of the different structures entering 
into the formation of teeth which occupy their 
natural position. 

The most common situation of these dental cysts 
is the temporal region at the base of the ear. They 
produce a fistulous opening from which there is a 
constant discharge of pus w4th no tendency to heal. 

C. C. Grice, a veterinary surgeon of New York, 
reports a very interesting case of the development 
of a tooth at the base of the ear. He savs: * "At 



♦Veterinarian i!S67, page 392. 

124 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 125 

the request of Mr. Barnum, a merchant of our city, 
and the owner of a breeding farm in Westchester 
county, I attended a two-year-old colt, considered 
to be very valuable, as he comes from trotting stock. 
Mr. Barnum merely said the colt had a discharge 
from the base of the near ear, and that it had existed 
for ten months. 

"I found the animal so very shy on account of 
the previous torturing of his attendants, that I could 
not approach him; therefore I had to cast him. 
The introduction of the probe failed to satisfy me 
that any foreign body existed there, but on dilating 
the orifice and introducing the most reliable of all 
probes, my fore finger, I discovered a hard substance 
which was firmly attached to the temporal bone 
and surrounding parts. I could not grasp the sub- 
stance with the forceps, therefore I used the handle 
of the instrument as a lever, and after using great 
force dislodged it. Mr. Barnum picked up some- 
thing in the grass four or five yards from me and it 
proved to be a molar tooth. On examining the 
wound afterwards I found some loose fragments of 
bone, and on removing them they appeared to be 
the socket of the tooth. These parts have entirely 
healed and left no blemish." 

The development of teeth in the sinuses of the 
head is a rare occurrence, yet I have been fortunate 
enough to see one such case. The subject was a 



126 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

mare seven years old and well bred, the property of 
Mr. Clark, of White, Dakota. There had been a dis- 
charge of pus from a fistulous opening opposite the 
superior maxillary sinus which appeared several 
months previous to my being called to see the case. 
Prior to the discharge there had been a gradual 
bulging of the bones of the face over the region 
just described. On passing a flexible metalic probe 
into the fistulous opening it met with some resistance 
under the bones forming the walls of the sinus. By 
moving the probe it passed over considerable sur- 
face which appeared rough and indented. I was 
unable to correctly diagnose the condition which 
existed, believing it to be some form of a bony 
tumor or an exfoliated portion of bone. I next 
examined the mouth and found the teeth all in a 
healthy and natural condition. 

An opening was made with the trephine over 
the diseased portion of the sinus, and the diseased 
cavity was exposed to view. A rather large tumor- 
ous appearing substance was noticed but could not 
be thoroughly examined owing to the interference 
of the blood. The tumor was detached with a 
heavy pair of cutting forceps and on examination 
proved to be an imperfectly formed molar tooth, 
with its crown nearest the external wall of the sinus. 
The wound was dressed and directions left for 
future treatment and a request to report the results 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 127 

of the operation, but I have been much disappointed 
in not learning the results of the treatment. 

It not infrequently happens that a second and 
third operation has to be performed, for a tooth 
again develops in the same place. Should this be 
the result the opening rarely closes. 

A very interesting case recently came under my 
observation where a dental cyst had formed just 
below the ear. The subject was a mare three years 
old, the property of A. E. Strong, of Vicksburg, 
Michigan, and had been discharging pus from a 
cavity the opening of which was one-third the 
distance from the base toward the apex of the ear. 
At the tune my attention was directed to the dis- 
eased condition the discharge had existed for about 
six months, the owner of the mare thinking it would 
soon heal. A physical diagnosis revealed the out- 
line of the cyst, which was very superficial and easy 
to remove. 

The formation of teeth in the various parts 
which have been mentioned, seem to follow the 
same general law in their development as those 
which appear in their proper places. They force 
their way towards the surface and establish a com- 
munication in that manner with the external surface 
of the body. It is self-evident that this action is not 
the same as that which results from the presence of 
a foreign substance. Though one of these encysted 



128 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

teeth may be considered as a foreign body, yet it 
possesses inherent vitahty. It is suppHed with 
blood and with nerves and is covered by periosteum 
which has the power of secreting the cementum. 
It possesses all the elements necessary to produce a 
healthy growth of all the structures which go to 
make up the tooth. Indeed the teeth in dentigen- 
ous cysts are always sound themselves, no case to my 
knowledge being on record where they were found 
carious. I have seen a goodly number of such teeth 
which have been removed by various surgeons but 
never saw^ any other than a perfectly sound one. 

We frequently find that foreign substances 
which have become lodged in various parts of the 
body become encysted and produce no bad results. 

Abdominal pregnancy furnishes us an excellent 
example where a body foreign to its location may 
exist for years and produce no bad results. Two 
cases of this kind have come under my own personal 
observation where sows did well, thrived and fat- 
tened as though nothing unusual had happened. I 
have in my possession at present two pigs which were 
in the abdominal cavity eighteen months, were fully 
developed encysted, and gave no trouble to the 
animal. The owner of the hog was not aware that 
anything unusual had occurred until the animal was 
butchered for market. The above does not clearly 
belong in a work of this nature, yet it admirably 



VE TERINAR r DENTAL S URGER 1 \ 129 

illustrates that substances foreign to their position do 
not always cause trouble simply because they exist. 

In view of these facts it appears as though teeth 
developed in other parts of the body than the mouth 
do not cause a fistulous opening because they are 
foreign to their location, but that they follow the 
same law of development and after a certain period, 
in their effort to reach the surface, destroy the soft 
tissues which impede their exit, the same as any 
other teeth. I have seen a discharge take place in a 
number of instances over the region of the canine 
teeth when about to make their exit. 

Why these teeth should develop at all outside of 
the mouth is a mystery which as yet needs a satis- 
factory solution, especially when located in the lum- 
bar region, the ovaries and testicles. Their appear- 
ance in the sinuses can be traced to a definite source 
and I think is satisfactorily explained by Professor 
Williams, who says: * " To understand the process 
by which these tumors are formed, it is necessary to 
remember that the teeth of all animals belong to and 
arise from the membranous portion of the digestive 
canal and that at a very early period of foetal life pro- 
vision is made for the development of the perma- 
nent teeth as well as the temporary. This provision 
according to Goodsir, who devoted much of his 
attention to the subject is as follows: 'As early as 

♦Principles and Practice of Veterinary Surgery, page 430. 



130 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER I . 

the sixth week of intra-uteral Hfe (in the human 
foetus), a groove appears along the border of the 
future jaws, called the primitive dental groove, 
which is lined by the membrane of the mouth. At 
the bottom of this groove projections — papilUe — 
spring up, corresponding in number with the tem- 
porary teeth; these gradually increase in size and 
acquire the shape of the future teeth. 

Whilst the growth of the papillae are going on, 
partitions are formed across the groove by which 
they become separated from each other. These par- 
titions subsequently form the bony sockets. 

The formation of these partitions places each 
papilla in a separate cavity. Concurrent with this 
process small growths take place upon the mem- 
brane of the mouth just as it dips into the papillary 
cavity or follicle which finally, by union with other 
growths, form a lid which covers the papillae in a 
closed sac or bag. 

Before a final closing of the follicle, a slight 
folding inwards of its lining membrane takes place. 
This folding inwards of the membrane of the prim- 
itive groove is for the purpose of forming a new 
cavity — fke cavity of reserve — which furnished a 
delicate mucous membrane for the future formation 
of the permanent tooth. 

From a study of this, it will be found that the 
cavity in w^hich a permanent tooth is developed is a 



VETERIXARY DEXTAL SURdENr. 131 

mere detachment from the hning of the primitive 
groove by the formation of a fold in the lining 
membrane and that in this cavity a papilla is formed 
exactly in the same way as that of a temporary tooth. 
Now I look upon the formations of these dental 
tumors as being due to some eccentricity in this 
folding of the lining membrane, by which the cavity 
of reserve is made up of several folds; that these 
folds become eventually separated from each other, 
forming separate cavities of reserve; and that a 
papilla becomes developed in each cavity thus 
formed in a manner similar to those constituting the 
papilla of the natural tooth. These irregular papillae 
become finally converted into irregular which for 
want of space in the mouth are forced upwards into 
the antrum (sinus), and may completely block it up 
as well as the posterior opening. 

"I have classified them as cystic tumors, as, in the 
first instance they are inclosed in sacs or cysts ; they 
however, soon burst through their investing mem- 
brane and form a large tumor, composed entirely of 
teeth, having a great variety of shapes and running 
in different directions. The teeth vary in size, some 
being very small, others nearly as large as a perma- 
nent molar. Each tooth has a pulp cavity, and is 
composed of the same structures as the natural 
teeth." 



CHAPTER XII. 

TARTAR. 

HOW FORMED — ITS EFFECT ON THE TEETH— LAMPAS — 
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT. 

Tartar is composed of earthy salts and animal 
matter. Phosphate and carbonate of lime and 
fibrin or cartilage are its principal ingredients; a 
small quantity of fat also enters into its composition. 
The relative proportions vary in different animals 
and also in the same animal. 

All teeth are subject to tartar but not alike, it 
being deposited to a very great extent on some, 
while on others it exists only in small quantities. 
It collects on the teeth of some animals in greater 
abundance than on those of others, and its chemical 
composition and physical characteristics are exceed- 
ingly variable. In some horses it is very hard and 
is then almost wholly composed of earthy ingredi- 
ents; in others it is soft and easily crushed between 
the fingers. In such cases it contains a greater per 
cent, of animal matter. 

Its color varies in different animals; in some it is 
a dark brown or nearly black; in others pale yellow- 
ish brown, and in some instances nearly white. 

132 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 133 

Several theories have been advanced with regard 
to the manner in w^hich the deposition of tartar 
takes place. The most satisfactory and at present 
generally accepted theory is that it is precipitated 
from the saliva, as that fluid enters the mouth, upon 
the surface of the teeth opposite the opening of the 
ducts from w^hich it is poured. Particle after parti- 
cle is deposited until it accumulates in such quanti- 
ties that the whole tooth is almost or entirely en- 
crusted with it. This is particularly noticeable in 
connection with the canine teeth, which very often 
are entirely covered with the secretion. 

EFFECTS OF TARTAR UPON THE TEETH, GUMS 
AND ALVEOLAR PROCESSES. 
The effect of tartar upon the teeth varies to a 
considerable extent. Some animals never seem to 
suffer any inconvenience whatever, while in others 
there is more or less irritation constantly present. 
This is shown by tumefaction of the gums and 
I believe in a good many instances gives rise to the 
condition known as Lampas, when occurring in 
old horses. Diseased gums and the destruction of 
the alveolar processes, and the loosening and com- 
plete loss of the teeth are among the resulting ef- 
fects of its deposition. When deposited close to the 
gum it by slow additions gradimlly forces the 
gums and periosteum away from the tooth. After 
this it acts as a foreign substance and nature en- 



134 VETERINAR2' DENTAL SURGERY. 

deavors to rid itself of the offending object. In- 
flammation is set up with the gradual formation of 
pus, which may exist in large or small quantities. 
I have on several occasions removed molars with 
my fingers, where there was a complete separation 
of the tooth and soft structures. These teeth were 
always covered with more or less tartar which 
extended much below the surface of the gums, and in 
some instances were covered with pus. I have 
in my possession at present writing such a tooth 
which is completely enveloped with tartar, vary- 
ing more or less in density on different parts of the 
tooth. 

Another case came under my observation where 
the tartar had collected on the left upper central 
incisor of a horse in sufficient quantity and had 
penetrated to such a depth as to cause much tume- 
faction of the soft parts. On making a close exam- 
ination a small piece of tartar was detected project- 
ing through the gum about three-quarters of an 
inch from w^here the tooth emerged. This was 
drawn out and an incision made down to the tooth 
and several large pieces of tartar removed, which 
extended up to the alveolar projection. 
TREATMENT. 

The tartar should be removed when found to ex- 
ist, especially if in sufficient quantity to affect the 
health of the animal in any manner. This may be 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 135 

accomplished with the ordinary bone spoon repre- 
sented in figure 30, which should be followed by 
the brush, an ordinary nail brush answering the 
purpose. Care must be observed and if possible 




every particle removed or it will form a nucleus 
around which deposition will again take place very 
rapidly. 

LAM PAS— CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREAT- 
MENT. 

Closely allied to the subject of tartar is another 
condition which has received the name Lampas. 
This term does not convey a definite meaning of 
the condition to which it is applied, yet for the want 
of a better one it will have to be used. 

Lampas is an unnatural tumidity of the bars 
forming the roof of the mouth, frequently involving 
the gums of both upper and lower jaw. The bars 
are pale colored and pliable during health, but 
in a mouth affected with Lampas they will 
swell up, become red and tumid, bulging down- 
ward even with, and often below the grind- 
ing surface of the teeth. They have lost their 
pliability and are much harder to the touch 



136 VETERTNART DENTAL SURGERT, 

than when in a natural condition. These symptoms 
are not confined to that portion of the mouth just 
back of the incisor teeth, but often exist in the bars 
between the molar teeth, where they escape the 
notice of the casual observer. The inside gums of 
the lower jaw, also the outside occasionally, are 
sometimes affected in a similar manner. First there 
is congestion and in some instances it is followed by 
more or less inflammation, sometimes — but rarely — 
terminating in suppuration. In young horses it is 
undoubtedly due to teething or external injury. In 
some instances aggravated cases have been observed 
in aged horses. The cause of its appearance in such 
animals, has not been satisfactorily explained up to 
the present time. Some ascribe it to the continua- 
tion of the growth of the teeth during life, others to 
the constant pushing up of the teeth from their 
alveolar cavities. It is due, no doubt, in some in- 
stances to external violence, such as a hard substance 
bruising the parts and separating the gums from the 
teeth. 

The immediate or exciting causes of tumefac- 
tion of the gums are local irritation, produced by 
salivary calculus (tartar), by carious, dead or loose 
teeth, or roots of teeth. A projecting molar may 
be, and often is a source of irritation to the dental 
periosteum and gums, which gradually extend until 
the whole becomes involved. This may explain the 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT, 137 

more frequent occurrence of Lampas in the upper 
jaw, for in the majority of cases, the loss of a tooth 
from natural causes takes place in the lower jaw, 
leaving the opposite tooth unopposed. It will then 
gradually force its way out becoming longer than 
the adjacent teeth. The irritation will be very 
much increased should the tooth occupy (which it 
frequently does), a position like that represented in 
figure 31. 

Dead or loose teeth act as foreign bodies, as also 
do the roots of teeth where the crowns have de- 
cayed or been broken off. These set up irritation in 
their immediate vicinity which may gradually ex- 
tend until a considerable portion of the gums 
become involved. Tartar forces the gums and the 
alveolar dental membrane away from the tooth, or 
a small particle of tartar may become detached and 
work its way in between the soft structures, pro- 
ducing irritation with a tendency toAvards suppura- 
tion. 

TREATMENT. 

First thoroughly examine the mouth and if pos- 
sible ascertain the cause in order to effect its removal. 
If in a young animal and the tumidity of the gums be 
due to teething, and the teeth have not yet appeared, 
it would be well to lance the gums over and down 
upon the teeth causing the trouble, which in most 
cases will probably be the canine or sixth molars. 



138 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

Such an operation is very often followed by the im- 
mediate subsidence of the symptoms. If due to tartar 
its removal should be effected in the manner already 
described; and if resulting from dead, carious or 
fractured teeth, remove them and' bathe the mouth 
w^ith a dilute solution of distilled extract of w^itch- 
hazel, carbolic acid and water. The solution should 
not contain more than one part of carbolic acid to 
forty parts of water and ten parts of the witch- 
hazel. In no case is it necessary to scarify or burn 
the gums to relieve the symptoms, for it only adds 
to the already existing irritation a foul, sloughy, 
carious sore, which can in no way ease the Lampas. 
The tumidity of the bars is the effect of the disease 
and not the cause, hence any treatment which is 
applied to relieve the effect must necessarily fall 
short of its object unless the cause first receives 
attention. 

The true cause of unthriftiness in many cases of 
supposed Lampas, is some constitutional disturbance, 
existing independently of a diseased mouth, and 
requiring a different mode of treatment. A few 
doses of tonic or alterative medicine will usually 
relieve the symptoms in a short time. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PROTECTING TEETH IN HORSES, SHEEP AND 

PIGS. 

THEIR CAUSE, RESULTS AND TREATMENT. 

There seems to be a difference of opinion among 
the various authors in regard to the length of time 
permanent teeth continue to grow; some maintaining 
that the growth of the tooth is completed by the 
sixth or seventh year, others by the tenth or twelfth 
year, while some contend that the tooth of a horse 
grows for a much longer period. 

Clark, " Horse Teeth," page 73, says: "They, 
'^permanent teeth attain their growth more slowly 
than the temporary^ and a healthy tooth continues to 
grow throughout life. The growth offsets the wear, 
the wear the growth. 

If we carefully examine the above statement we 
can not conclude otherwise than that the tooth retains 
its length throughout life, for if "the growth off. 
sets the wear, and the wear the growth," then it 
must necessarily follow that one end of the tooth 
is reinforced as fast as the other is cut away by attri- 
tion. This theory does not hold true in actual prac- 

* Italics mine. 

139 



140 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

tice. If we extract a tooth from a horse eight years 
old, and compare it with a corresponding tooth 
that has been extracted from a horse 
sixteen or eighteen years old, there 
will be a considerable difference in 
their length in favor of the younger 
tooth. In aged animals there often 
remain only the roots of the teeth. 
These roots are very short and easily 
removed; had the growth offset the 
wear this would not have been the 
result. 

* " It is not until the tooth begins 
to be pushed from the alveolus and 
the crown to become worn that its 
FIG 30. fangs are formed; these are at first 

tooth^which^'haf l^ollow and afterwards filled, as 

been extracted. ^^.gH ^^ the cavity of the tooth, by 

The table surface -^ 

shows the irregu- the formation of a new quantity of 

lar weai- to which 

it has been sub- dentine. From this time the fang 

lected. 

ceases to grow; but the tooth con- 
stantly projected beyond the alveolar cavity, allows 
the walls which enclose it to contract, so that in 
extreme old age it hapj^ens that the shaft com- 
pletely worn away, instead of the tooth, leaves 
several stumps formed by the fangs." 

•j-"The permanent teeth are thrust up from the 

* Chauveau, Comp. Anat. Page 354. t Same, Page 349. 




VETERINART DENTAL S URGERT. 



141 



alveoli during the entire life of the animal to replace 
the surface worn off by friction." 

If we combine the essential points of the last two 
statements we will see that the tooth ceases to grow 
at some period of life (just when, we are left in 
doubt), and that its free surface above the gums is 
maintained after the growth of the tooth ceases, by 
being pushed upwards from the alveolar cavity and 
the gums closing around it. 

I formerly held the same opinion as that expressed 
by Professor Clark, that the teeth continued to grow 
throughout life, but since have had so many proofs 
of its erroneousness that I have very materially 
modified my views. 

The following cut, Fig. 31, shows the fourth 
upper molar which has projected just one inch 




FIG. 31. 

Molar teeth of the horse, showing a projecting fourth 
molar. 



142 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

beyond the teeth on either side of it, owing to the 
loss of the corresponding tooth of the lower jaw. 
There can be no doubt that it was the direct cause of 
the animal's death, it having cut deep into the lower 
jaw, and even worn away a considerable portion 
(three-quarters of an inch) of bone. 

If we examine the cut closely we will notice that 
the roots do not extend within three-quarters of an 
inch as far up into the alveolar cavity as those of the 
teeth on either side. Taking the difference of 
measurements of the projecting tooth and those on 
either side, and we have one-fourth inch more on 
the crown of the projecting tooth than would other- 
wise have been there had the tooth constantly 
remained in wear.* 

The drawing for the above cut was made from 
one of many specimens that I have in my possession, 
all of which are deemed as convincing proofs that 
the teeth do not continue to grow during life. 

It is difficult to determine the exact time at which 
the tooth ceases to grow. I have endeavored to col- 
lect the opinions of some of the best veterinary 
anatomists in this country, and for this purpose the 
following questions were sent out: 

First — How long are the permanent teeth of the 
horse in developing? 

♦ The fact that the roots of the fourth molars are always shorter than 
those of the third and fifth must not be lost sight of in making a com- 
parison. The difference amounts to from one-fourth to five-sixteenths of an 
inch, as shown in Fig. 32, which was drawn from a perfectly healthy mouth. 



VE TERINA R T DENTAL S URGER T. 



143 



Second — At what age do they cease to grow, or 
do they grow throughout life? 

Third — If they cease to grow, how is their free 
surface maintained? 

Drs. Hughes, Grange and Liautard responded, 
and their communications are here inserted: 

Joseph Hughes, M. R. C. V. S., Professor of 
Anatomy at the Chicago Veterinary College, says: 
" I would say that at one time I was particularly 




f. i-. V. I. =^' 



FIG. 32. 

Upper jaw, showing the roots of the molar teeth; i", 
canine; i', 2', 3', incisors; i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, molars; g, fangs of 
fourth molar. 

interested in that question, and sought every oppor- 
tunity to determine as to when molar teeth stop 
growing. I proved this much to my satisfaction. 
As soon as a molar tooth is fully erupted and comes 
into wear, the pulp in the cavity commences to shrink, 
and in doing so produces layer after layer of yellow 
osteo-dentine. The shrinkage still continuing, the 
pulp cavity soon becomes filled and at the same time 
the fangs commence forming, being produced by the 
pulp which is almost completely atrophied by this 



144 VETERtNART DENTAL SURGERT. 

time. So long as it exists however, it continues to 
form dentine, thus drawing out the fang to a taper- 
ing point. When this occurs all nutrition, in my 
opinion, is cut off from the tooth, so that it can not 
be regarded otherwise than a foreign body, firmly 
clasped by the gum and alveolus, and continually 
pushed upwards by the contraction of the plates of 
bone which become thinner as age advances. I 
would say that at from seven to nine years a tooth 
has attained its fullest growth." 

E. A. A. Grange, V. S., Professor of Veterinary 
Science at the Michigan Agricultural and Mechanical 
College, says: " I believe the development of the 
teeth varies with the individual, and am inclined to 
think they stop growing at the fourth or fifth year. 
{^The horse would then be seven to nine years old)\ 
though I would not be surprised if it was subject to 
considerable variation, but I do not think that they 
continue to grow throughout life, say beyond the 
twelfth year." 

A. Liautard, M. D., V. S., Professor of Anatomy 
at the American Veterinary College, says: "Per- 
manent teeth are in the state of development, until 
they make their appearance through the gums which 
close their alveolar cavity; but though developed 
they then begin their growth outside the cavity and 
owing to their situation begin to grow out at two 

• Italics mine. 



VETERIN ART DENTAL SURGER7'. 145 

and one-half to three; three and one-half to four 
years, and their full growth can be considered at the 
time when the tables of the teeth are in perfect con- 
tact. The growth however does not stop at that 
time. I believe their growth out of the alveoli 
keeps on going if opposed by the rubbing of a tooth 
opposite; an even wearing takes place if nothing 
arrests it; or if there is no wearing the tooth keeps 
on growing out of its cavity and may overlap or 
overgrow the other teeth by inches. In other words 
the free part after having reached its full develop- 
ment, if not exposed to wear, is growing. The 
tooth becomes too long, but its length is made at the 
expense of its root which becomes shorter. Take a 
tooth which has not been in wear, as in the case of 
the opposite being removed ; let it grow to its 
utmost, then pull it. Its roots will be very short. 
Again take one which is softer than normal, it 
undergoes an excess of wear. When it is project- 
ing but little, extract it and the roots will be corre- 
spondingly longer. And then again take that of a 
very old horse in which the wearing has been per- 
fect and then both roots will be very small." 

It is of great importance in operating that we 
should know when the tooth ceases to grow, for 
operations may be performed on a full grown tooth 
that would not be admissible where the pulp exists to 
any considerable extent. The pulp is highly supplied 



146 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



with nerves which come from the fifth pair and are 
very sensitive, and it is owing to its extreme sensibiHty 
that toothache is so severe when the pulp is exposed. 

TREATMENT. 
There are two methods of dealing 
with long teeth, one by extracting and 
r's the other by cutting the tooth down even 

with the other teeth. The age of the 
animal will be an important element in 
deciding which course to pursue. If but 
four or five years old the tooth should be 
extracted, which may be accomplished 
with the common heavy extracting for- 
ceps. If the tooth is cut off at this age 
there is danger of exposing the nerve 
and severe toothache would result; caries 
would soon supervene, making the entire 
removal of the tooth necessary. 

If the horse is seven years old or over, 
the tooth may be cut off with the open 
molar cutters. Fig. 33. 

It should then be dressed smooth with 
the float so that the soft structures of the 

^ mouth which come in contact with the 

Fig. 33. 

Open molar tooth, will not become irritated and ulcer- 
cutter. 

ated. 

If the tooth is cut off it should be looked after 

at least once each year, for it gradually protrudes 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 147 

again and needs to have the operation repeated. 
Extracting on the whole is deemed preferable, 
although it seems rather formidable. A long tooth 
even if sound is not nearly as hard to extract as 
those on either side of it which have remained in 
constant wear. 

The reason of this is obvious, for if we examine 
the roots we find they do not extend nearly as far 
into the alveolar cavity as those on either side? 
neither are the roots as long. They thus afford less 
surface for attachment to the side of the alveolar 
cavity. 

There is another important element that should 
not be lost sight of even if the projecting tooth is 
extracted. It very frequently happens that the tooth 
of one jaw does not come wholly into opposition 
with the corresponding tooth of the opposite jaw. 
In such cases either the anterior or j^osterior edge of 
one of the teeth in the jaw opposite from that 
which had the tooth extracted, will still remain out 
of wear and as a consequence will gradually project, 
often producing a very sharp point which lacerates 
the li^DS very severely. These points should be 
removed and the mouth carefully examined there- 
after at least once a year. 

Difficulty may also arise, and frequently does, 
from the teeth on either side of the cavity, formed 
by extracting the tooth, closing in and partially fill- 



148 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY 



ing up the space. In this manner one edge of them 
comes more or less out of wear, and results similar 
to those already described may follow. 

The question often 
arises: "Is an animal 
with missing or dis- 
eased teeth unsound ?" 
r should say most de- 
cidedly that he is, for 
more or less trouble 
will ever afterward be 
experienced in keep- 
ing the teeth in proper 
shape and the animal 
in good condition. 
Although strictly 
speaking, it is perhaps 
not an unsoundness, yet 
it leads to disease 
which will materially 
affect the usefulness of 
the animal, unless care- 
fully watched and sub- 
sequent defects re- 
FiG. 34. Incisor cutter. moved. 

The incisor teeth occasionally need to be short- 
ened more or less, especially if the horse is not 
allowed to run to pasture, and is fed on hard food 




VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 



149 



such as whole corn and oats. The molars do not 
come together near enough to thoroughly grind the 
food and a portion of it will pass through the animal 

undigested. The teeth 
should be thoroughly ex- 
amined and if they are in 
a proper condition and the 
animal does not bolt his 
grain, it is perfectly safe 
to operate on the incisors. 
The instruments nec- 
essary to operate on the 
incisor teeth are the 
curved incisor cutters, 
F^g- 345 and a ten inch 
tooth rasp. This is made 
in two styles, one which 
is straight, and another 
as in Fig. 35, which is 
bent at right angles at the 
center. Either one does 
the work. I prefer the 
straight one. 

^ With the curved in- 

FiG. 35. Fig. 36. Straight 

Tooth file, cutting forceps, cisor cutters remove the 
inner border of the incisor, and with the straight in- 
cisor cutter. Fig. 36, remove the outer border; then 
smooth with the rasp, being careful to keep the table 




150 VE TERINA R Y DEN TAL SUR GER V. 

surfaces so that all the teeth will meet and match 
perfectly. The operation is usually confined to the 
incisors which are abnormally the longest, /. e., if 
the upper incisors are the abnormally longer, operate 
on them; if the lower are the longer, operate on 
them ; and when the teeth of both jaws are of equal 
length, operate equally on both upper and lower.* 
Care, however, should be observed and not too much 
removed or fracture of the molars will result. They 
will also wear away much faster than they would if 
the incisor teeth are left a proper length. 

The operation is seldom necessary, although I am 
am aware it is often resorted to, as a means of allaying 
symptoms which belong to a vastly different affection. 
PROJECTING TEETH IN SHEEP. 

Long or projecting teeth are often the true cause 
of unthriftiness in sheep. They seem to suffer from 
its effects oftener than any other of the domestic 
animals; yet there are very few owners of sheep 
who are aware of this fact. Very few people 
owning sheep ever think of examining the molar 
teeth for the purpose of determining the true cause 
of the unthriftiness of portions of their flock. I 
have never had my attention directed to this class 
of patients by the owner of such animals, neither 
has any one mentioned the subject to me up to the 
present time. 

* We should bear in mind however that the upper incisors when natural 
are somewhat longer than the lower. 



VE TERINAR V DENTAL SURGER Y. 



151 



My observations have been limited, but enough 
has been seen to convince me that many dollars' 
worth of sheep die annually from this cause alone. 

Not long since I came across three carcasses of 
sheep that had died (did not learn their history), all 
of which had suffered great emaciation at the time 
of their death, they then being mere skeletons. 
The heads were removed, boiled and prepared for 
the museum. In all were found diseased teeth. 
Fig. 37 and Fig. 38 are from drawings of the 

teeth of two of 
them, the third 
being in the 
same condition. 
Since preparing 
the above speci- 
mens my obser- 
FiG, 37. 
Upper and lower molar teeth of the vations on the 

sheep, showing a projecting molar. liyi^g animal 





FIG. 38. 

Lower molars of a sheep. «, a cavitj, the result of an 



abcess. 



153 VE TERINAR V DENTA L SURGER Y. 

have convinced me that long and projecting 
teeth are the direct cause of much unthriftiness, also 
that they are not confined to old sheep alone, but 
that they do exist in young sheep to a greater or 
less extent. 

SYMPTOMS. 

There is more or less flov^ of saliva, ropy, clear 
and watery ; hanging of the head ; dejected appear- 
ance. The affected animal will often stand apart 
from the rest of the flock; after a time there is 
emaciation which gradually increases until the cause 
is removed or death takes place. The mouth will 
be swollen, red, hot and tender to the touch. An 
enlargement may or may not exist on the external 
surface of the jaws. A foul, disagreeable odor 
will emanate from the mouth. There is also a 
stench of all the buccal secretions, due in part to 
the decomposition of the food which lodges around 
the projecting teeth. Some animals quid their food, 
others eat heartily for a time, then stop suddenly, 
drop the food out of the mouth, hang the head or 
hold it to one side ; others will twist the head side- 
ways while feeding, grinding all the feed on one side. 
TREATMENT. 

The treatment will consist in extracting or cut- 
ting off the projecting tooth, the common bone cut- 
ter. Fig. 39, will answer the purpose if cutting 
them is deemed preferable, When it is necessary 



. VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 153 

to extract, the smaller extracting forceps will be 
found sufficient for all purposes. The after treat- 
ment will consist in keeping the mouth free from 
offensive odors by the judicious use of carbolic acid 
and water, and allowing soft food for a few days. 

PROJECTING TEETK IN HOGS. 
Hogs sometimes suffer from projecting molars 
as well as from long tusks. The tusks instead of 
growing outside of the lips, grow upon the inside, 




Fig. 39. Bone cutter. 

press against them, cutting deep cavities, so that the 

animal will be unable to take his feed. There will 

be gradual emaciation with symptoms similar to 

those of other animals which are affected in a similar 

manner. 

TREATMENT. 

The treatment will consist in removing the offend- 
ing teeth in a manner already described for similar 
defects of other animals. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
LONG, SHARP AND PROJECTING EDGES. 

THEIR CAUSE, EFFECTS AND REMOVAL — SPECIAL OPERA- 
TIONS — SIDE LINING — SHYING — RUNAWAYS — METHOD 
OF OPERATING FOR EACH. 

Horses of all ages suffer more or less from long, 
sharp and projecting points which are often found 
on the molar teeth. They are situated on the inside 
of the lower and on the outside of the upper molars, 
and also occasionally, but rarely, on the inside of 
the upper molars. They vary much in size and 
shape, some being small and blunt, while others are 
long and very thin and sharp. The injury they pro- 
duce will be in proportion to their length and the thin- 
ness of their edges or the sharpness of their points. 

The external surface of each upper tooth usually 
contains two of these projections, which correspond 
with the ridges already described as running from 
the table surface to the roots of these teeth. 

The internal surface of the lower molars also 
contains two sharp projections, which usually are 
much shorter though sharper than those on the 
upper teeth. 

These projections are the result of limited lateral 
motion of the lower jaw. In masticating its food 

154 



VETERTNART DENTAL SURGERY. 155 

the animal works the lower jaw from side to side. 
Unless this motion is extensive enough to bring the 
whole table surface into wear, a portion of the tooth 
will not be worn away. 

In some animals the width of the upper jaw 
(which is always wider than the lower), exceeds 
that of the lower to such an extent that it amounts 
to a malformation. Cases of this kind have come 
to my notice where only half of each row of teeth 
came into wxar, and that portion remaining out of 
wear had become so long that it bruised and lacer- 
ated the gums of the opposite jaw. The lower 
teeth passing inside the upper had cut deep cavities 
into the palatine processes. 

This defect may exist in both the right and left 
side, or on one side only. I have seen two instances 
where the latter condition was present in the living 
animal. 

Case I. A. sorrel gelding, the property of a 
Mr. Williams, Goodland, Ind. The left lower row 
of teeth was inclined inwards as well as upwards; 
their internal surface not coming into wear, had 
continued to increase in length until they penetrated 
the palatine processes. The external surfaces of the 
lower molars were worn down to the gums. A 
like reverse condition was present in the upper 
molars; the inside of them being worn away while 
the outside had attained sufficient length to lacerate 



156 VE TERINAR V DENTAL SURGER Y. 

the external surface of the gums opposite the lower 
molars. These sharp projections were removed 
with the tooth shears. The animal although much 
emaciated, rapidly gained in flesh, and when last 
heard from was doing well. 

Case II. A brown mare, the property of 

Mr. , Bangor, Michigan, to which I had my 

attention directed, had suffered from a diseased 
mouth for two years (she being at the time seven 
years old). There was a constant dripping of a 
ropy saliva, presenting a disagreeable odor, accom- 
panied by great emaciation. An examination of the 
mouth found the fifth and sixth molar teeth of both 
upper and lower jaw similar to those in case i, the 
inclination of the sixth molars being much more 
marked than in the fifth. The sixth molars of both 
jaws were cut close to the gums while the fifth were 
dressed down even with the teeth in front of them. 
Extraction of the sixth molars is preferable in cases 
where the teeth in front of them retain their natural 
position. 

* There is in the museum of the College at 
Alfort, a horse's head in which this deformity may 
be seen in its greatest degree. The tables of the 
teeth at the right side form planes so much inclmed 
that they close together like the blades of shears. 
As there was no friction to wear the teeth down, 

* Clark, Horses' Teeth, Page 142. 



VE TERINA R V DEN TAL S URGER V. 157 

they grew to the height of three inches. The 
fourth and fifth teeth of the right side of this rare 
anatomical specimen are absent. Perhaps they were 
carious. The rarefied and spongy tissue of the 
socket bones indicate the seat of an alteration, — prob- 
ably caries — which was the point of departure of 
the general tumefaction. The last tooth by its 
oblique direction towards the empty sockets, indi- 
cates that the loss of the teeth occurred during the 
life of the animal, some time perhaps prior to its 
death. The defect of the right side doubtless forced 
the animal to use the left for the purpose of masti- 
cation. In such cases the teeth that do not wear, 
grow till they reach their respective opposite jaws, 
even when those at the opposite side of the mouth 
are in exact contact, an anomaly never produced in 
the normal state. The function of mastication oper- 
ates according to the obliquity of contact and paral- 
lelism is established by friction between the tables 
which normally would be superposed." 

The following case was reported in the American 
V^eterinary Review Vol. IX., p. 321 : 

IRREGULAR WEARING IN THE MOLARS OF A 
HORSE— NECROSIS OF THE PALATINE BONE. 

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIMEN PRESENTED BY B. MC INNESS, 
JR. v. S., TO THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN VETERIN- 
ARY COLLEGE, BY J. SCHRIEBLER, D. V. S., CURATOR OF 
THE MUSEUM, 

"The preparation exhibited was the head of an 
old horse which had been the property of an aged 



158 VE T ERIN A R V DEN TAL SUR GER Y. 

South Carolina negro. When death occurred the 
horse had become so emaciated that his appearance 
was almost like that of an animal which had died of 
starvation. The condition of the teeth to a great 
extent explained this fact, and showed the difficulty 
the animal must have experienced in masticating his 
fodder. The molars of the left side on both jaws 
were about normal, but those of the right presented 
a very peculiar aspect, due to an irregularity in the 
wearing process, which instead of taking place flat- 
wise had affected the teeth in their length. Those 
of the upper jaw were worn from above down- 
wards and from the inner side outwards, in such a 
manner that while the outer surface of the teeth 
measures over two inches, the inner surfaces meas- 
ure scarcely half an inch, this being about the nor- 
mal length of the teeth. This irregularity is per- 
fectly smooth on the inner surface for the first four 
molars, but irregular on the fifth, which is angular. 
These teeth and the last have undergone less wear- 
ing. On the same jaw the palate bone was already 
undergoing necrosis, and showed in the center a 
perforated appearance and a depression towards 
the back. This condition of the palate bone is due 
to the action of the molars of the lower jaw. In 
that region the left molars are also healthy, but on 
the right side the first, second and third have under- 
gone a process of wearing, corresponding to that of 



VE TERINA R Y DEN TAL SUR GER Y. 159 

the upper jaw, but in an inverse direction. The 
third one which has a length of nearly two and one- 
half inches has produced the depression in the palate. 
The fourth, fifth and sixth molars are missing in the 
specimen. It is probable that the fourth was lost in 
preparing the head, but there is no doubt that the 
fifth and sixth were lost during life, as can be seen 
by the wearing out of the outside surface of the 
alveolar cavities, and their almost complete disap- 
pearance. This is the second case of this kind that 
has come under our observation. The first however, 
was more complete, as the irregularity of the teeth 
existed on both sides and both jaws. When the 
animal died all the teeth were not only found on 
both sides of both jaws, but the animal presented 
also an abnormality in the number of teeth, having 
twenty-eight instead of twenty-four molars. This 
irregular condition of the teeth furnishes a ready 
explanation of the difficulty of mastication, and can 
scarcely be relieved, except by bestowing a degree 
of attention to the organs which it is not yet usual 
to bestow on animals." 

The sixth molar of either jaw, may and often does, 
extend back of the corresponding one of the oppo- 
site jaw and when such a condition exists, the pro- 
jecting portion not coming into wear, is continually 
increasing in length, by being projected outwards 
until it wounds the opposite jaw. This condition is 



160 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGE R Y. 



O 



present more frequently than is generally supposed ; 
and when present is most often found in connection 
with the sixth molar of the lower jaw. These points 
should be removed. It may be accomplish- 
ed in the same manner as other sharp and 
projecting points. The wounds made by 
these projecting points often become very 
troublesome, and remain for a long time 
after the cause has been removed. To fa- 
cilitate their healing, touch them with a 
stick of nitrate of silver (lunar caustic) 
once a day for two or three days, or a wash 
composed of alum, sulphate of zinc (white 
vitriol), and distilled water may be used. 
The nitrate of silver is preferable and 
most easily applied. Keep the animal on 
soft food for a few days and occasionally 
cleanse the parts with a soft sponge. 

TREATMENT. 

In removing the sharp projecting edges, 

either the rasp and closed molar cutters, or 

the rasp alone may be used. The closed 

molar cutter. Fig. 40, is an excellent 

Fig. 40. instrument for facilitating the work. 

lar cutter. The outside of the upper and the inside 

of the lower molars may be clipped and then 

smoothed with the tooth rasp. Fig. 41. There 

is practically no danger of fracturing the teeth 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 161 

with the cutters if judiciously handled, and 
not allowed to grasp too much of the tooth. 

The plates of the tooth rasp if separate 
can be removed and new ones substituted at 
any time when the old ones become worn 
out. Fig. 42 represents one of these rasps. 
For convenience in carrying, the handles 
may be made with a joint so that they can 
be separated. 

If it is not deemed advisable to use the 
cutter, a rasp which is punched will cut 
away the tooth much faster than a cut rasp, 
but its use should be followed by a smooth 
rasp. 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS. 

Horses which are put to different uses re- 
quire operations on their teeth that will fit 
them for the work which they are required to 
perform. We should aim to put the teeth in 
such a condition that they will not lacerate the 
tongue and cheeks. In trotting and running 
horses which often get excited, or that have 
the bit frequently shifted, there is a tendency 
to cut the cheek opposite the first upper or 

FIG. 4^' 

house's lower molar. This is very often prolonged 

REVERSI- 

BLE RASP.^^ such an extent that the animal becomes un- 
manageable and utterly useless for the work he was 
intended to perform. If such a condition is present in 



162 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY . 

a trotting or running horse they will not take 
hold of the bit freely. Sometimes they 
"bolt," pull on one line, run into the fence, 
stop short or perhaps collide with another 
animal and injure both. 

In operating on horses of this kind it is 
best to cut the first molar, usually the lower, 
well down and in some instances the second 
molar should also be slanted from before 
backwards and upwards. The teeth are 
then to be rounded from side to side and 
left as smooth as possible, so that the tongue 
and cheeks, though they are drawn between 
them, will not be injured. 

The driver or rider of a horse should 
always be consulted about the actions of a 
horse while at work, before the operation is 
performed. They are an element which 
should not and can not be ignored by the 
veterinary dentist if he wishes to be suc- 
cessful in relieving the symptoms for which 
he operates. Sometimes an operation is 
needed on one side of the mouth only; in 
such cases, cutting down the teeth on both 
sides would be as bad, if not worse, than no 




'• 42- operation at all. 



FIG. 
HOUSE'S 

REVERsi- Horses that are in the habit of running 

BLERASP, , • • r 

JOINTED, away while being driven, in the majority of 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGE R Y. 



163 



cases can be entirely cured of this habit, by cutting 
away or extracting the first lower molar. By doing 
sojt deprives them of a solid support for the bit which 
will then draw directly against the 
angle of the mouth. Before op- 
erating in the above manner 
(which should be as a last resort 
only), it is well to examine the 
edges of the molars, and if rough, 
dress them down smooth. 

Another very disagreeable 
habit, the result of sharp teeth and 
which can be entirely remedied, is 
known as "side lining" or "side 
pulling." It consists in the horse 
carrying his head to one side, or 
pulling harder on one rein than on 
the other while being ridden or 
driven. Horses addicted to this 
habit are known as "side liners" 
or "side pullers." 

The first step in remedying 
^ this defect is to dress the inside of 

dle's'oJlXlctrng':": "^^ '°^^'- "'^'''■■sand the outside 
ceps and molar cutters of the upper ones. If this does 
not have the desired effect, cut off a portion of 
the lower first molar, on the side opposite from 
that towards which he carries his head. That is, 




164 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERt. 

if the horse carries his head towards the right side, 
cut the tooth on the left side and vice versa. This 
removes the bearing and the head will then be car- 
ried in a natural position. 

I usually place the cutters close to the gums of 
the lower molar on which I wish to operate and then 
cut backwards and upwards. The amount of tooth 
which I remove depends upon the age of the animal 
and the persistence with which he throws his head 
to one side. 

In using the cutter place them squarely upon the 
tooth and cut it off without shifting or twisting 
them. By so doing you will avoid fracturing the 
tooth, which sometimes does occur if the forceps are 
worked from side to side. 

It is claimed that sharp points with other irregu- 
larities of the teeth cause a horse to shy. I will say 
that as far as my experience extends, I have never 
been able to trace a single case of shying to such 
conditions, neither have I ever stopped shying by 
operating on the teeth, unless the horse was a " side 
puller." It has been my experience that when such 
horses shy it always is from an object towards which 
the horse turns his head (/. ^., if a horse turns his 
head towards the right he shies away from an object 
on the right). I have had three such horses as 
drivers, and they invariably shied in the same direc- 
tion, and that as above described. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY, 165 

The shying in such cases is undoubtedly due to 
imperfect glimpses of objects on that side, for in all 
three cases of my own, when the teeth had been 
operated upon so that the horse carried his head 
straight the shying disappeared. Shying however, 
is not always due to the above cause. It is some- 
times due to congenital malformation of the eye, 
such as near-sightedness or partial blindness. 
REPETITION OF THE OPERATION. 

With regard to the frequency with which the op- 
eration will have to be repeated, much will depend 
upon the conformation of the mouth, and work which 
the animal performs. Some need to have the opera- 
tion repeated every six months to a year ; others every 
two or three years, while others never have to 
imdergo an operation. In some animals the teeth 
come into perfect wear; in such, an operation is never 
needed. 

It has been found that many animals thrive better 
and take less feed if their teeth are regularly cared for. 
METHOD OF OPERATING. 

In order to perform any of the above opera- 
tions, in fact, any operation on the mouth or head, 
it is not necessary to cast or confine the animal 
in any manner except an occasional case. The 
old idea that a horse had to be cast for almost 
every operation, I am pleased to say is rapidly grow- 
ing into disfavor in this country. For this we are 



166 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

indebted to C. D. House (now deceased), the em- 
inent veterinary dentist, who was the first to op- 
erate upon horses' teeth without using a gag or 
confining the most vicious animals in any manner. 
As far back as 1875-7 we find Mr. House's mode of 
operating very unique. He used no gag and left the 
animals to stand free, passing his hands over the 
teeth of the most vicious horses without being bitten. 
Since that time the number using his methods in 
operating has gradually increased, until at the present 
time (1889), there are about twenty-five in this 
country who have become expert veterinary dentists. 
In operating, all that is necessary in most cases 
is to back the animal into a narrow stall, or the corner 
of a box stall where he can not turn around. The 
assistant should then place one hand over the nose 
of the animal, far enough up so that it will not inter- 
fere with respiration, either taking hold of the ear 
with the other hand or placing it over the poll. In 
this manner he will be able to steady the head and 
prevent any sudden movement on the part of the 
horse. For trephining all that is necessary in addi- 
tion to the above is the application of the twitch to 
the upper lip. Always handle the animal quietly, 
allow no boisterous noise or sudden movements. 
Endeavor to finish the work as soon as is consistent in 
a workmanlike manner. After the teeth have been 
placed in satisfactory shape take the bone spoon and 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY, 



167 



remove all the tartar, finishing up with the brush. 
The importance of this will become evident after 
reading the chapter on Salivary Calculi (tartar). 

Exercise good judgment in the use of the tooth 
shears, lest fracture of the teeth take place. There 
is but little danger of fracture in good sound teeth ; 
but where the teeth are very brittle, as they are in 
some animals, fracture may readily occur. 
PARROT MOUTH. 
Parrot mouth is a deformity which is frequently 
noticed and consists in the upper incisor teeth pro- 
jecting in front and overhanging the lower incisors. 
The incisor teeth do not come into wear and as a 
result they gradually increase in length beyond the 
gums. In some cases the lower incisors come in 
contact with the bars in the roof of the mouth lacer- 
atmg them and eventually producing serious results. 
The animal will fall away in flesh presenting an 
emaciated appearance and may eventually die of 
starvation, even in the midst of plenty. 

A horse with a parrot mouth will feed well enough 
from the manger; but if turned out to pasture, ex- 
periences much difliculty in collecting the food. 

If the lower incisors wound the roof of the 
mouth they may be dressed down with the incisor 
cutters and the rasp. If the upper incisors wound 
the lower lip they should be operated upon in the 
same manner. 



CHAPTER XV. 

DISEASES OF THE LOWER JAW— INJURIES FROM 
HEAVY CURB BIT. 

Disease of the lower jaw sometimes exists which 
calls for the use of the trephine; such as carious 
teeth, necrosed bone and superficial fractures where 
a small portion of bone has been partially or com- 
pletely separated by external violence. 

In using the trephine on the lower jaw great 
care must be exercised, for the bone here is thin, 
hard and easily fractured. If the opening by the 
trephine is made in the lower border of the jaw a 
five-eighths trephine is as large as should be used. 
If the opening is made on the side a larger instru- 
ment may be employed with safety. 

To remove the first, second, third, fourth and 
sometimes fifth lower molars, the opening for that 
purpose will be more convenient if made directly 
under the roots of the tooth. For the sixth and 
sometimes the fifth the opening should be made into 
the side opposite the end of the fang of the tooth. 
It can then be readily driven out with the curved 
punch in Fig. 51. In trephining for the fourth, 
fifth and sixth lower molars the opening should not 
be made indiscriminately. Care must be taken not 

168 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 169 

to wound either Steno's duct or the submaxillary 
artery. Division of the former will result in a 
fistula of the duct and the latter will cause more or 
less trouble before the haemorrhage can be stopped. 
Should the latter condition occur the artery may be 
taken up and ligated, or it may be twisted and held 
for a moment when the bleeding will have been 
completely checked. After the operation of tre- 
phining has been completed, should the muscle 
which has been divided at the side of the jaw close 
the opening so that the pus which forms cannot 
escape freely, a portion of it may be excised. The 
insertion of a large drainage tube will convey any 
matter which forms, and is perhaps preferable. The 
tube will have to be removed at each dressing of the 
wound and if again inserted should be thoroughly 
cleansed. It is best however to use new tubing at 
each dressing. 

Superficial fracture and necrosis of the lower 
jaw occurs very frequently and may be due to a 
variety of causes. On this subject Professor Wil- 
liams says: "Superficial fractures of the lower jaw 
occur from severe curbs and bits; anteriorally and 
from within the mouth from the bit, posteriorally 
and under the jaw from the curb." 

SYMPTOMS FROM INJURIES OF THE BIT. 

Dribbling of saliva from or foaming in the mouth. 
Animal shy or perhaps vicious if the mouth is touched ; 



170 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

inability to bear the introduction of the bit; difficulty 
in masticating the food; perhaps hemorrhage from 
the mouth, or saliva streaked with blood. Upon 
examination the buccal membrane will be found 
bruised, inflamed and swollen with perhaps a piece 
of bone sticking through it. 

TREATMENT. 
Remove the small fragments. As the frac- 
ture is superficial no bandaging is required, but 
the animal must not be bitted until the parts are 
completely healed and hardened, or he will have 
a bad or weak mouth ever afterwards ; indeed some 
horses that I have seen never allow a bit to be put 
in their mouths again without great struggling 
and resistance. The animal should be fed upon soft 
diet for some days after the injury and the wound 
examined occasionally, or portions of bran, hay or 
corn are apt to lodge in it, causing irritation and 
retarding the healing process. If the wound dis- 
charge a fetid material it should be syringed with a 
weak solution of carbolic acid; in any case the mouth 
may be washed with this two or three times a day. 
SYMPTOMS FROM FRACTURE BY THE CURB. 
Swelling and tenderness of ramus immediately in 
front of the curb; sinuses shortly form, and within 
them loose pieces of necrosed bone may be detected 
by the probe. The discharge is curdled, fetid, but 
not very profuse. In some of these cases there is no 



VB TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 171 

primary fracture, but necrosis of the superficial layer 
of bony tissue, arising from continued and severe 
pressure producing periostitis, gangrene of the peri- 
osteum, the death of the bone from the pressure and 
non-supply of blood to that part of it is covered by the 
gangrenous periosteum. In other cases a bony 
tumor forms here as a result of periostitis, and of 
increased thickness of the superficial layer of bone 
(hyperostosis). 

* TREATMENT. 

In the first and second forms of injury, it is 
necessary to remove the fragments of bone, 
w^hether they are necrosed or not. It is a vv^aste 
of time to allow them to be removed by ex- 
foliation. The method which I recommend is to 
slit up the skin, and carefully scrape the diseased 
surface. If this be done the cure may be effected in 
a very short time. If the necrosis is very superficial 
one or two applications of dilute hydrochloric acid 
w^ill effectually remove it, and render unnecessary 
the performance of an operation. Common-sense 
will convince the reader, that the cause, namely the 
severe curb, must not again be applied. 

In the third form of injury, namely, the hyper- 
ostosis, all the treatment necessary is the remo- 
val of the cause and the application of soothing 
remedies, succeeded by frictions with iodine oint- 
ment. 




172 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERT. 

Fig. 44 represents a 
piece of necrosed bone 
which was removed from 
the jaw of a horse, the prop- 
FiG. 44. gj.^y ^f gyj.^ ^^^ Patterson, 

bone ''°em:ved°Sror:he by ^e author, September 

lower jaw of a horse. 2nd, 1888. The following 

symptoms were presented when the horse was 
brought to the infirmary: There was hanging of 
the head, eyes partially closed, clear ropy saliva in 
great quantities flowing from the mouth possessing 
a disagreeable and offensive odor. 

On examining the mouth a large soft puffy 
swelling was discovered just in front of the first left 
lower molar. This swelling was soft, pulpy, clear 
and watery-looking. When I endeavored to press 
it between the fingers it gave way, a portion of it 
being easily removed with the fingers. On coming 
in contact with the bone the piece represented in the 
cut was found loose. It had entirely exfoliated. 
After its removal the bone was scraped and thor- 
oughly cleansed with a strong solution of carbolic 
acid and water. The dressings were continued daily. 
Recovery took place very rapidly. 

The disease was caused by a common bit, the 
driver having been in the habit of jerking on the 
rein. All cases of a similar nature do not heal so 
rapidly ; some break out the second and even a third 



VETERINART dental SURGERT. 173 

time, owing to only a partial removal of the diseased 
bone. To insure success, every particle of diseased 
tissue must be removed. 

Sometimes there are tumors of variable sizes 
located in front of the first lov^er molar teeth, which 
would lead one to suspect superficial fracture or 
necrosis of the bone. If an abscess forms the matter 
that escapes will indicate the true nature of the 
lesion. If it is of a dirty brown color, very fetid, 
and containing small particles of bone, then we are 
sure of a diseased condition of the bone, but if from 
a sub-cutaneous abscess, the discharge will be like 
that of an ordinary abscess in any other part of the 
body. If the latter form be present a speedy cure 
will follow simple dressings and cleanliness. If the 
former condition be present the case will become 
tedious unless every particle of diseased bone has 
been removed. 



CHAPTER XVI. 
CRIBBING— CAUSES, EFFECTS AND TREATMENT 

Cribbing is a condition which may be considered 
as a vice or habit rather than a disease. It consists 
in the horse laying hold of any stationary object 
with the teeth, such as a manger, post, fence, gate, 
etc., and violently extending his neck, and then after 
a convulsive action of the throat a grunting sound is 
heard, accompanied by a gulping in and swallowing 
of air. 

CAUSES. 

Many theories have been advanced with regard 
to the cause of this vice. Some maintain that it is 
due to indigestion, others to the closeness of the 
incisor teeth, while some attribute it to a combina- 
tion of both conditions. Others to idleness. The 
latter, with heredity, undoubtedly is the main cause 
and most cases occurring could be traced directly 
to them if pains were taken to investigate their 
origin. I can call to mind a cribbing mare whose 
progeny, three foals to the cover of as many stal- 
lions, were cribbers before they were old enough to 
be put to work. To me this is a clear case of 
heredity and one which has not been dependent upon 

174 



VE TER1NAR7' DENTAL S URGER T. 175 

any other circumstances which are calculated to in- 
duce the vice. Well fed vigorous colts sometimes 
get fretful and bite or lick the manger, eventually 
contracting the habit. With some animals it seems 
to be natural; they evidently derive much pleasure 
from the habit. 

The effects of cribbing are various. The teeth 
are worn away and occasionally broken, so much so 
in aged horses that they graze with difficulty. 
The grain is often wasted by dropping from the 
mouth into the manger or upon the floor. Diges- 
tion is impaired through the loss of saliva which 
escapes. The stomach and intestines become dis- 
tended with gas inducing colic, chronic indiges- 
tion and sometimes acute indigestion, lowering 
the condition of the animal and eventually produc- 
ing death. 

All animals however do not suffer from colic and 
indigestion; indeed, some remain healthy, fat and 
sleek notwithstanding they may be addicted to the 
vice in the severest form. 

Wind-sucking constitutes another vice equally as 
bad if not worse than cribbing. It consists in simply 
gathering air into the mouth, extending the head, 
arching the neck, gathering the feet together and 
gulping down the air. It differs from cribbing in 
that the animal does not grasp any object with the 
teeth. 



176 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

TREATMENT. 

Cribbing and wind-sucking constitute a decided 
unsoundness and are incurable when once thor- 
oughly established. Were the vice due to pres- 
sure of the incisor teeth against each other, the ex- 
traction of one or two of them would certainly 
remove the cause and be followed by a cessation of 
the habit. Some surgeons claim to have entirely 
dispelled the vice in young aniraals when first noticed 
by the extraction of one or more teeth. I have 
operated in that way (as an experiment), under like 
conditions on the teeth of several horses, but have 
never been able to entirely stop the habit. Sawing 
between the teeth can have no possible effect in 
breaking up the vice, although it is frequently 
resorted to for that purpose. A neck strap buckled 
tightly around the throat while the animal is in the 
harness will act temporarily in checking the habit, 
but has no good effect whatever when removed, but 
on the contrary will press on the throat and produce 
roaring in some instances. 

To prevent the vice give the horse something to 
do. Do not keep him tied in the stall from one week 
to another, but turn out and give plenty of exer- 
cise, 

*" Horses which are crib-biters or wind-suckers 
are to be considered as unsound, as the vices generally 



* Williams' Practice of Surgery, Page 540. 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 177 

arise from or cause indigestion, induce colic, tend to 
lower condition and to depress the vital powers. 

A crib-biter seizes the manger or some other 
fixture — the collar-shank when nothing else can be 
taken hold of — with his teeth, arches his neck and 
makes a belching noise. After a time the abdomen 
becomes evidently enlarged. Many crib-biters thrive 
moderately well, whilst others are always unthrifty, 
dry in the coat and hide-bound. Some practitioners 
maintain that air is swallowed during the act, whilst 
others state that gas is expelled from the stomach, 
and that the continual belching or eructation causes 
further derangement of the stomach, the increased 
formation of gases and the consequent tympanitis. I 
was at first disposed to think that the first opinion 
was the correct one, as it is quite possible for air 
mixed with saliva to be swallowed, but further 
experience inclines me to the latter; namely, that 
gases are expelled, and that increased disorder of the 
stomach are induced by the habit. A chronic crib- 
biter may be easily recognized by the appearance of 
the incisor teeth which are worn and rounded at their 
anterior borders, and by an enlarged or hypertrophied 
condition of the muscles which depress the jaw, the 
sterno-maxillaris, stylo maxillaris, etc., and generally 
by the mark of a strap on the neck. 

A wind-sucker smacks his lips, gathers air into his 
mouth, extends his head, or presses it against some 



178 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

solid body, arches his neck, gathers his feet together, 
and undoubtedly swallows air, blowing himself out, 
sometimes to a tremendous extent.* 

Of the two vices this is the worst; a wind-sucker 
being more subject to colic, indigestion and polyuria 
than a crib-biter. 

To prevent crib-biting a muzzle or neck-strap 
made for the purpose is sold by saddlers; and for 
wind-sucking a strap, studded with sharp points of 
iron opposite the lower part of the jaw is the best 
preventative, whilst the indigestion from which these 
animals seem to suffer is best combated with purga- 
tives, alkalies, rock salt in the manger and regular 
work. Want of work, indigestion and the irritation 
of teething are generally the causes of these vices. 

•|- " It is very doubtful whether crib-biting origi- 
nates from any disease. It may perhaps with more 
reason be considered a propensity, a habit, or a vice, 
which in time may result in indigestion, loss of con- 
dition, etc. This however, depends much upon the 
extent to which it is practiced, and the constitutional 
vigor or strength of the animal ; for it is well known 
that many a horse constantly practicing the vice is 
neither retarded in his growth nor injured in his 
health. 



* For my part I cannot understand why a criVbiter should only 
expel gas, and a wind-sucker swallow air. The action and noise made in both 
cases are similar, as also are the results of the vices. I am inclined to believe 
from observation that air is swallowed in both instances. 

t Dr. H. H. Paaren in Breeders' Gazette, Vol. IX, Page •^s;^. 



VE TERINAR T DENT A L S URGER T. 179 

As to the cause of this troublesome vice, it occurs 
mostly in young horses that are well fed and 
insufficiently worked. There is no doubt also a 
special predisposition to the habit; with some horses 
it appears to arise naturally, a«5 though the sucking or 
gulping down of air gave them pleasure or a relief 
from some sort of suffering. It has also been 
observed that horses at all disposed to it may be 
easily led into it by the practice of some men in 
cleaning them ; for if they clean them before the 
manger and irritate them with a too severe comb, 
and in parts where they can not endure it, they seize 
upon the manger for a counteraction of their suffer- 
ings, and in doing this first get a habit of it which 
may afterward extend to the removing of other pains 
or distressful feelings. Some horses indulge in the 
habit of licking the manger and gnawing the wood- 
work, which may eventually lead to cribbing. 

In practicing the vice cribbers avail themselves of 
any prominent object even as small as a nail or a 
ring, and in the absence of any protruding or promi- 
nent object they will grasp the halter or bridle-rein. 
Horses that simply practice the act of wind-sucking, 
require no resting point. When horses first begin 
to crib-bite, and sometimes inveterate crib-biters, 
they only indulge in the practice at intervals, some 
while eating and others while standing in the stable 
without food before them. During attacks of pain- 



180 VB TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

ful diseases, cribbers do not attempt the act, and it 
may be regarded as a favorable sign when such a 
horse returns to his old practice. 

All sorts of preventatives have been resorted to, 
including muzzling vs^ith steel rods fixed to the bit. 
The use of a broad leather strap around the throat is 
not to be recommended because it has got to grad- 
ually produce distortion or constriction of the wind- 
pipe and thus cause roaring. Our inquirer asks 
whether placing the horse in a stall devoid of any- 
thing upon which to get hold would be a preventa- 
tive. Well, with the plurality of horses it may; but 
we have seen some old and inveterate offenders thus 
placed who practiced the vice upon their knees, and 
upon the hard floor while lying down." 



CHAPTER XVII. 
ALVEOLAR ABSCESSES. 

TMKIR FORMATION, PROGRESS, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT 

The phenomena attending the formation of an 
alveolar abscess in the domestic animals, has not yet 
undergone the thorough investigation it merits. If 
the pain attending the ulceration and formation of an 
abscess of this kind is as deep seated, excruciating 
and almost insupportable, and we have every reason 
to belieVe it is, as that of a similar character in the 
human subject, then it would seem high time that 
the subject receive more careful attention from the 
profession and that the owners of stock become 
acquainted with a true conception of its importance. 

It is a fact that alveolar abscesses exist in both 
upper and lower jaws to a considerable extent. 

CAUSES. 
The exciting or immediate cause of alveolar 
abscesses is inflammation of the alveolo-dental per- 
iosteum. This may be due to inflammation and 
suppuration of the pulp or an accumulation of pus 
at the root of a tooth, the discharge of which is in 
no other way provided for. It may also be produced 
by a dead or diseased tooth. External injury brings 

X8X 



182 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

about the same results. The accumulation of food 
between teeth that are placed wide apart, decomposes 
after a time and gives rise to fetid compounds which 
have an injurious action upon the parts with which 
they come in contact. This may be regarded as a 
predisposing cause. In some animals there seems to 
be a strumous diathesis which must also, when it 
exists, be considered as a predisposing cause. This 
condition no doubt is present much more frequently 
than is commonly supposed. We know that some 
animals are predisposed to various bone diseases such 
as ostitis, bone spavin, ring-bone, etc., and there is no 
reason why the jaws with their alveolar processes 
and cavities should not be similarly affected. 

The periosteum of a tooth having become the 
seat of inflammation, all the phenomena attending the 
inflammation of the periosteum of any other portion 
of the osseous system will be present. There will 
be effusion of lymph at the extremity or along the 
side of the root. This takes the form of a sac or 
cyst, which closely surrounds the root near its apex, 
and as suppuration takes place pus is formed in its 
center. During this time the inflammation gradually 
extends to the gums and neighboring parts. They 
swell and become painful. These swellings vary 
much in size, owing to their situation and the resist- 
ance which they encounter. As the pus accumulates 
in the sac it distends and presses on the surrounding 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 



183 



walls of the alveolus, which are gradually broken 
down. By this means an opening is ultimately made 
through the socket, as Fig. 44', when the pus coming 




IK.. 44 . 

External surface of lower jaw of a hog showing open- 
ing formed by an abscess. 




FIG. 44. 

Table surface of same teeth, 
in contact with the soft structures presses upon them 
and causes their absorption, furnishing an outlet for 
the imprisoned pus, if in the lower jaw usually 
externally and inferiorly, if in the upper jaw into 
the sinus opposite the tooth which is affected. 

The opening is usually opposite the tooth. In 
fact all cases that have thus far come under my 
observation were so situated; but we can readily 
understand that the pus may escape from some other 
and more remote point; indeed such is the frequent 



184 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 




result in the human family when their teeth are 

affected by ulceration. 

Fig. 45 is a drawing made 
from a tooth showing the sacs 
brought away with it in extract- 
ing, they being the only ones 
which I have thus far been able 
to remove intact with the tooth. 
The membrane closing the cav- 
ity usually becomes ruptured, 
and the ragged edges are all 
FIG. 45. that are noticeable. The sacs. 

First right lower one on either root of the first 
molar tooth showing 
ulceration of the lower molar were about as large 

roots, b. b. pus sacs. j • j 1 1 

^ as a good sized pea or bean and 

contained a fluid with the formation of a small 
amount of pus in the center. 

SYMPTOMS. 
The symptoms of alveolar abscess, vary ac- 
cording the location and progress of the dis- 
ease. There will usually be imperfect mastication 
of food, " quidding," with 
loss of flesh, staring coat, 
with a harsh and unthrifty 
appearance, and in some in- 
stances, greatly emaciated 
condition of the animal. 




FIG. 46. 



Table surface of tooth 
The represented in Fig. 45, 
showing a normal con- 
gums may or may not be- dition. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERT, 185 

come swollen, red, hard and painful to the touch. 
Tapping the diseased tooth lightly produces intense 
pain. 

If there is a tendency for the abscess to break 
externally, there will be swelling of the parts over 
the affected tooth, with gradual softening and finally 
a discharge of fetid pus, which will usually continue 
until the cause is removed. When the discharge 
has once freely taken place, the pain partially ceases 
and the animal begins to feed better and may even 
regain its natural fleshy condition. 

The energy of the disease, however, having been 
expended, the secretion of pus may cease and the 
opening into the gums close. There is still a great 
susceptibility to morbid impressions on the alveolar- 
dental periosteum, caused by the presence of a tooth 
deprived of a large portion of its vitality. A recur- 
rence of the inflammation is liable to take place with 
the slightest cause, when pus will be again formed 
and the passage for its escape re-established. The 
subsequent attacks do not give rise to as severe 
symptoms as the first. By carefully investigating 
the history of alveolar abscesses, we frequently 
learn that there has been a recurrence of the abscess. 
This is especially true in a country practice where 
there has been limited opportunities to have the 
teeth looked after by a competent dentist. 

In some cases the inflammation instead of subsid- 



186 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

ing altogether, degenerates into a chronic form with a 
constant secretion of pus varying in quantity, some- 
times profuse at others ahnost gone. The charac- 
ter of the pus also varies at different times ; some- 
times it is thin, at others thick. At all times it has 
a tendency to adhere around the external opening. 
It is always more or less fetid. 

TREATMENT. 
Remove the cause. This usually necessitates 
the extraction of one or more teeth. If due to 
the accumulation of food between the teeth, its 
removal should be effected and the parts washed 
out with a solution of chloride of lime, or carbolic 
acid, one part to thirty of soft or distilled water. 
Corrosive sublimate, two grains to one ounce of soft 
or distilled water makes an excellent disinfectant. 

A very singular case of fistulous opening, due to 
alveolar abscess, was presented for operation at the in- 
firmary during the summer of 1SS7. The right lower 
fourth molar was diseased and the abscess had 
broken on the under surface of the inferior maxilla. 
By carefully introducing a probe into the fistulous 
opening, it could be passed completely through the 
jaw and up along side the tooth into the mouth. 
The diseased tooth was extracted, and the fistula 
thoroughly syringed out with a solution of corrosive 
sublimate, two grains to the ounce of water. Re- 
covery took place very rapidly. 



VETERINAR Y DENTAL S URGERY, 187 

All cases of a similar nature however do not 
heal so readily. The secretion of pus may cease 
for a time and the opening close, but whenever the 
excitability of the alveolar periosteum is increased 
by any derangement of the system, it is Hable to 
give rise to a recurrence of the disease. 

In such instances it is necessary to excise a circu- 
lar portion of the skin and flesh around the opening. 
Even trephining may have to be resorted to in 
order to prevent the recurrence of pus. Trouble of 
this nature is rarely experienced if trephining is 
resorted to at the time of the first operation. 

While preparing this chapter, I was called upon 
to operate on the teeth of a four-year-old mare, the 
property of Mr. Goldsmith, of Lafayette, Indiana, 
which seemed to be suffering from dental irritation. 
On making an examination of the teeth, the fourth 
and fifth lower right molars were found slightly de- 
cayed on the external surface of their free portion. 
The gums were swollen and very tender to the 
touch. Tapping the tooth with a pair of forceps 
produced intense pain. A history of the case was 
given as follows : The mare had been gradually fail- 
ing for the last eight months, quidding the food all this 
time. At the time she was presented for operating, 
she was very much emaciated. A foul, disagreeable 
odor emanated from the mouth, the result of decay- 
ing vegetable matter contained within the teeth. An 



188 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

attempt was made to remove the teeth with forceps 
but failed of success. Trephining was resorted to 
and the tooth was driven out with a punch. 

The sides of the fifth tooth were partially cov- 
ered by a deposition of earthy material, clearly 
showing that the disease must have existed for a 
considerable length of time. The sides of the alve- 
olar cavity were in a healthy condition as far as 
could be ascertained; as a natural consequence they 
were more or less mutilated with the punch in driv- 
ing out the teeth, and might have been more or less 
diseased without showing its effects after the tooth 
v/as extracted. 



CHAPTERtXVIII. 
TUMORS OF THE GUMS. 

THEIR CHARACTER, CAUSES AND TREATMENT — EPULIS. 

The gums and alveolar jDrocesses of horses, cat- 
tle and sheep, very frequently have developed from 
them tumors and excrescences of various kinds, vary- 
ing in character from the most simple growth of the 
gum to morbid productions of a fungoid or cancer- 
ous nature. Some disappear without having ever 
directed the attention of the attendant, while others 
are of such a nature that they will not even yield to 
the most energetic treatment. There is no part of 
the mouth peculiarly susceptible but they may exist 
in any portion. 

Their character and appearance are variable ; 
some are smooth, others rough and ragged and some- 
times covered with ulcers; some have a broad base, 
others are pedicled; some are soft, others hard and 
fibrous; some grow so slow^ly that their growth is 
scarcely perceptible while the growth of others is 
exceedingly rapid; some are very vascular while 
others are almost destitute of blood vessels; some 
are nearly insensitive while others are highly sensi- 

189 



190 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

tive, being the source of extreme pain and discom- 
fiture to the animal. 

They vary in color from a light gray, almost 
white to deep purple hue. This is due to the degree 
of vascularity w^hich they possess, while a good many 
of them retain the natural color of the gums. Their 
serious character will depend upon their location, 
nature and progress, some producing scarcely if any 
inconvenience, while others produce grave results, in 
some instances endangering the life of the animal. 
Some are of sporadic origin others of parasitical. 

CAUSES. 

Tumors of the gums occasionally arise spon- 
taneously, but most of them can be traced to a 
definite cause. 

They are sometimes due to existing tartar, frac- 
tured, loose, dead or decayed teeth or roots of teeth. 

Fracture of the alveolar process may follow an 
operation on the teeth or gums, or by external vio- 
lence, and set up an irritation sufficient to produce 
tumors or excrescences of various kinds. Those cases 
which seem to rise spontaneously, if thoroughly ex- 
amined would probably reveal the fact that they are 
of a parasitic or cancerous nature, or could their 
history be traced, as in the human subject, their 
causes might in most instances be traced to some 
form of irritation of the gums or alveolar processes or 
membrane at some earlier period. It is not neces- 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGE R Y. 191 

sary to the production of tumors or excrescences, 
that any of the above causes be actually present at 
the time they are first noticed. These organs having 
once been affected they will be more susceptible to 
morbid impressions. 

Of all parts of the body there perhaps is no part 
that is so thoroughly exposed to irritation from 
various causes, as the soft structures of the mouth. 
They are almost constantly subjected to external in- 
fluences which are calculated to injure them. The 
nature of the food alone is sufficent to keep up a 
more or less constant irritation. Gravel, pieces of 
wood, corn cobs, pieces of wire, sharp ends of hay, 
all have a tendency to injure the soft structures, with 
which they come in contact. 

TREATMENT. 
The treatment will necessarily be varied owing 
to the many causes which produce the disease. 
The constitutional symptoms accompanying these 
tumors will have much to do in adopting a mode 
of treatment. 

By removing the cause, a great many of these 
growths will disappear, some by simply extracting a 
dead or decayed tooth or roots of teeth. If they do 
not subside after the removal of the cause they 
should be excised; this must be practiced with some 
care, or severe hemorrhage might follow, especially 
if the tumors are located over the palatine artery 



193 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

After the removal of the tumor the place should be 
powerfully cauterized for the purpose of destroying 
all sarcomatous tissue and that there may be no re. 
currence. Paquelin's ther mo-cautery is frequently 
used for this purpose with good results. 

If the tumor is again reproduced, the next oper- 
ation must be made more thorough. The base of 
the enlargement must be removed. The operation 
should include the healthy tissue in every direction. 

To facilitate the removal of these tumors and in- 
sure perfect safety the animal should be cast and 
securely fastened, the operator having one or two 
assistants to insure perfect saftey. 

Under the designation 'Epulis' Professor Wil- 
liams says: — "a tumor of the gum often of a simple 
growth, of the same consistency as the structure from 
which it grows and not likely to be reproduced 
when the exciting cause has been removed, and the 
disease extirpated. Its frequent cause is caries of 
some parts of the molar teeth. The lower jaw is its 
most common seat. It commences at the root of 
the molars, or in the alveolar ridges. The size and 
extent of epulis are various; it may be confined 
to the gum between two teeth, or it may involve 
several if neglected and partake of a malignant 
character." The disease may exist in two forms: the 
benign and malignant. In his description Professor 
Williams says that the former is smooth on the sur- 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGER1 



193 



face and of slow growth, and seems to be unattended 
with pain but from its size interfere with mastication. 
The latter is ragged, of rapid growth, frequently 
bleeding and giving the animal much pain and is 
accompanied by infiltration into the surrounding 
bones and hard palate, of the characteristic cancer- 
like matter. 

The following case of a tumor in the dog is taken 
from the American Veterinary Review: 

♦MAXILLARY FISTULA IN A DOG. 

BY MR. X. PAUCHENNE, 

A pointer slut had on the riorht facial region a 
tumor the size of a nut, somewhat soft and painful. 
Opened it allowed the escape of a certain quantity 
of clotted blood, which was squeezed out and the 
neoplasm was dressed externally with tincture of 
iodine. After a few weeks the animal entirely 
recovered. Three months after, however, there was 
a relapse and the growth had reappeared with the 
same character. Remembering the mention of 
similar cases made by Prof. Reul, of the Bruxelles 
school, the author made a careful inspection of the 
buccal cavity and examined with attention the condi- 
tion of the molar teeth. Percussing every one with 
the point of a pair of curved scissors, he observed 
that the third molar, though like all the others pre- 
senting a h andsome white appearance, gave a pecu- 

*American Veterinary Review, Vol. lo, Page 517. 



194 VE TERINAR V DENTAL SURGER Y. 

liar sound, and seemed to be less strongly implanted 
in its alveolar cavity. This tooth was extracted and 
found to be slightly decayed under the gums. It 
was the cause of the trouble, for recovery rapidly 
followed the operation and the animal has enjoyed 
perfect health since. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
NASAL GLEET. 

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT — TREPHINING — STEPS 
IN THE OPERATION — AFTER TREATMENT. 

Nasal gleet is a sub-acute inflammation of the 
membrane lining the frontal and maxillary sinuses of 
the head. It may be due to various causes. The 
only ones however, that we shall consider are 
those that require surgical aid to induce partial or 
complete recovery. 

CAUSES. 

Caries of the upper molars, the third, fourth, 
fifth and sixth especially ; elongated inferior molar 
teeth which wear the gums and alveolar processes of 
the upper jaw, inducing caries; hypertrophy of the 
fangs of the upper molar teeth; exostoses on the 
fangs; external injury ; disease of the facial bones; 
collections of impissated pus; foreign substances 
passing up through a cavity in a carious tooth's 
cystic tumors; calcarious concretions in the maxillary 
and frontal sinuses; clots of blood in a state of de- 
<:omposition ; straw, chaff, hay, etc., which accident- 
ally pass from the nostril into the sinuses; or even 
whole teeth passing up into the sinuses. 

195 



196 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

SYMPTOMS. 

There will be a discharge from one nostril only 
in a majority of cases. This discharge varies much 
in quantity, being almost entirely absent at times, at 
others very profuse. It does not adhere to the bor- 
der of the nostrils. It usually sinks in v^ater. If it 
contains particles of bone ; it has a fetid odor as v^ell 
as the breath that comes from the affected side. If 
the teeth are unsound it can be easily detected by 
making an examination of them. They also give off 
an offensive odor w^hen carious. If the disease is of 
long standing there may also be bulging of the walls 
of the sinus. When the sinuses or their divisions are 
filled with pus, percussion applied to the outer walls 
causes a dull sound to be emitted. If there is any 
doubt about the confinement of pus in the cavity the 
introduction of a small gimlet or drill, will when 
withdrawn, contain pus in the groove if there be any 
present. 

The symptoms of this disease are sometimes mis- 
taken for those of glanders and many animals suffer- 
ing from nasal gleet have been killed for glandered 
animals. Such mistakes however, are the result of 
ignorance of the characteristic symptoms of the two 
diseases. 

While preparing this chapter I was sent to inves- 
tigate a supposed outbreak of glanders in a black 
gelding. The animal presented the following symp- 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 197 

toms: great emaciation, dejected appearance, staring 
coat, listlessness and a disinclination to move about. 
There was a discharge from the right nostril of a 
greenish yellow color mixed with blood (the animal 
had just been fed hay and also allowed to pick a 
a small quantity of grass), very fetid, slight abrasions 
of the mucous membrane lining the nostril. The 
discharge contained small pieces of hay and grass, 
some of which could also be seen well up in the 
nostril. 

On making an examination of the teeth I found 
the right fourth upper molar partially decayed and 
presenting a deep cavity. This cavity had connec- 
tion with the maxillary sinus. The tooth was re- 
moved by trephining, the horse making a rapid 
recovery. 

TREATMENT. 

Remove the cause, then make an opening at the 
most dependent part of the sinus, allow the pus to 
escape and inject the cavity with warm water con- 
taining a small amount of carbolic acid or common 
salt. This injection niay be effected with a common 
syringe or an injection pump, the latter being prefer- 
able as it throws a constant stream and does not 
irritate by being constantly inserted and again with- 
drawn in order to be refilled. Too much force 
should not be used for the mucous membrane is very 
tender and sensitive. A common rubber tube may 



1 98 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

be used with one end inserted in the opening made 
by the trephine and the other containing a funnel 
into which a constant stream of water can be poured, 
or the tube may have one end attached to a pail 
which is suspended over the head. The dressings 
should be repeated once each day until the cavity 
closes, care being taken not to injure the mucous 
membrane of the sinus. 

The following cases show the necessity of making 
a careful examination before ordering the destruc- 
tion of a horse because he is supposed to suffer from 
glanders. 

*"There are instances on record of carious teeth 
being discovered and of their being productive of 
such consequences as have led, through error, to fatal 
termination. The following relation ought to oper- 
ate on our minds as a warning in pronouncing judg- 
ment in cases of glanders, or at least in such as 
assume the semblance of glanders. 

A horse the property of the Government became 
a patient of Mr. Cherry's on account of a copious de- 
fluxion of fetid discolored purulent matter from the 
near nostril, unaccompanied either by submaxillary 
tumefaction or by ulceration of the Schneiderian 
membrane. For two or three months the case was 
treated for glanders, but no amendment appearing a 
consultation was deemed necessary, the result of 
which was the horse was shot. 



*Percival, Hippopathology, Vol. II, Part II, Page 297. 



VBTERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 199 

On examination of the head the third molar tooth 
proved to be carious, one-third of its fang being 
ah"eady consumed and the remainder rotten. The 
formation of an abscess within its socket had ren- 
dered the tooth loose and the matter flowing there- 
from had established a passage into the contiguous 
chamber of the nose. The antrum, also, was in part 
obstructed by the deposition of osseous matter. This 
is a case which but for the inquisitiveness of Mr. 
Cherry, would have indiscriminately merged into 
that heterogeneous class of diseases passing under the 
appellation of chronic glanders. 

* Surgeon William Smith, of Norwich, England, 
reports a case of caries of the roots of several grinder 
teeth, accompanied by a discharge from the nostril 
which he admits he mistook for ozena. He says 
( Veterinarian^ 1850? Pages 381-2): 

"I was requested a few days ago to visit a horse 
which was supposed to be 'glandered'. I found the 
animal in a most emaciated and pitiable condition, 
with a copious, greenish, and very offensive dis- 
charge from the left nostril with slight tumefaction 
of the gland on the same side. There was no ap- 
pearance of ulceration, but the Schneiderian mem- 
brane had a leaden, dirty hue. Taking all the cir- 
cumstances into consideration, I ordered the animal's 
destruction, but had its head sent to my infirmary. 

♦Clark, Horses' Teeth, Page 1S2. 



200 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 

" Meeting Surgeon Gloag, of the Eleventh Hus- 
sars, I told him I thought I had a case of ozena. He 
expressed a wish to be present at the examination 
of the head, and I was glad to avail myself of his 
assistance. 

''A longitudinal cut was made on each side of the 
septum nasi and a transverse one at a line between 
the center of the orbits. Another longitudinal cut, 
dividing the maxillary sinuses was made just above 
the roots of the grinder teeth on each side. By this 
means we had an opportunity of examining the sep- 
tum nasi on each side; also the turbinated bones and 
the frontal and maxillary sinus. 

"On the left side we found an accumulation of 
food, covered with thick pus, completely filling the 
maxillary sinus, and extending to the turbinated 
bones. The frontal sinus contained an accumulation 
of inspissated (thickened) pus, the septum nasi was 
of a leaden hue, as also the membrane covering the 
turbinated bones, which were much inflamed and 
thickened, but there was no appearance of ulceration. 

"The difficulty was to ascertain how the food 
got there. After careful search it was very evident 
that it could not have passed through the nostril. 
We therefore gradually dislodged the food and mat- 
ter, searching for the former's entrance, and at last 
found a hole in the alveolar space belonging to the 
last grinder, the root of which was completely gone, 



VE T ERIN ART DENTAL S URGER 2'. 20 1 

only a small portion of the crown itself remaining. 
The hole was sufficiently large to admit the little 
finger. The mystery was solved. The process of 
mastication had deposited the food in the sinus. 
The fourth grinder was absent, having been lost 
evidently from previous disease. 

"On examining the right side of the head, we 
found the turbinated bones and membranes covering 
the septum nasi comparatively healthy, but w^e dis- 
covered a cyst, about the size of a walnut in the max- 
illary sinus. It contained limpid fluid, and occupied 
the space immediately over the root of the fourth 
grinder tooth, which was decayed and quite loose 
and below * the level of the other teeth. The teeth 
of the lower jaw appeared healthy." 

"Without further examination. Surgeon Smith 
sent the head to the Editor of The Veterinai-iaji 
who says: 

''The mare (that being the sex according to the 
teeth), we should take to have been about twenty 
years old. Her incisors are sound and so are the 
grinders of the lower jaw. But in the near (left) 
upper jaw, the second, fourth and sixth teeth are in 
a state of progressive decay, and the same is true of 
the fourth tooth on the off side. The vacuity caused 
by the defective last grinder has opened a passage to 
the antrum through which the food has passed, and 

* Italics Clark's, 



202 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 

thence into the rear chamber of the nose, between 
the turbinated bones, where it was discharged 
through the nostril. This accounts for the irritation 
on this side of the head, for the suppurated and even 
ulcerated condition of the Schneiderian membrane, 
and for the suspicious discharges. It was evident 
enough that there was no glanders. The very cir- 
cumstance of alimentary matter being discharged 
through the nostril was enough to prove the con- 
trary." 

♦AMERICAN VETERINARY COLLEGE HOSPITAL 

RECORDS. 

CARIES AND REMOVAL OF THE THIRD UPPER MOLAR TOOTH 

SUPPURATION IN THE NASAL TURBINATED BONES — 

TREPANATINE — RECOVERY — BY JAMES A. WALRATH, 
D. V. S., HOUSE SURGEON. 

On the 19th of August a brown gelding was 
admitted to the hospital with the following history : 
Toward the latter end of April the owner's attention 
was called to a slight discharge taking place from 
the right nostril of a whitish character, which was 
observed to be more abundant when the head was 
depressed. 

Thinking it to be nothing more than a simple 
nasal catarrh he concluded that no treatment was 
necessary and kept the animal at work, supposing 
that the discharge would cease spontaneously. After 
a delay of some weeks without any perceptible 

♦American Veterinary Review, Vol. X, Page 317. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 203 

change he, by advice of friends, sent the horse to the 
country for a run at grass. Here he remained, as 
the owner supposed, doing well, until word was re- 
ceived from the pasture, the owner announcing that the 
services of two practitioners had been called to see the 
animal and that there was a question in dispute be- 
tween them as to the nature of the disease with 
which the animal was suffering. One maintained 
he was affected w^ith glanders and ought to be 
destroyed, while the other one contended that it was 
not, and that the discharge was due to other causes, 
which were not in the least contagious. Immediately 
after this the horse was sent back to the city and a 
short time after his arrival was brought to the hospi- 
tal for examination. At this time the discharge was 
not very abundant, being flaky in character and 
having a peculiarly bad odor. A large swelling was 
visible on the right side of the face, involving the 
nasal bone, especially in its superior portion, per- 
cussing dullness was well marked, not alone over the 
swelling, but over nearly the whole extent of the 
bone. The animal reared when moved, respiration 
not being performed without considerable difficulty. 
Examination of the nasal cavity with a reflector 
showed the mucous membrane to be of a leaden 
color, and the turbinated bone to be enlarged and 
quite prominent, even at the inferior extremity, 
which was readily noticed by lifting up the wing of 



204 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

the nostril. Placing the hand in the mouth of the 
same side, the third molar tooth of the upper jaw 
was found to be decayed and the cavity partially 
filled with undigested food. After proper prepara- 
tion of the animal by dieting, he was thrown down, 
and while under the influence of chloral, the diseased 
tooth was extracted by removal in two pieces. The 
bulging nasal bone was then trephined, and about 
two ounces of cheesy pus taken from the sinus of the 
turbinated bone with a spoon probe. He was then 
allowed to get up, and the sinus thoroughly cleansed 
with luke-warm water from a small pipe which was 
inserted through the opening made by the trephine, 
the water that entered being allowed to escape 
through the nostrils, carrying with it small pieces 
of detached pus. 

This treatment was kept up twice daily until 
scarcely any discharge was noticed, after which the 
irrigations were not as frequent, taking place but 
once per day, and later on still rarer, the opening 
being kept open with a short firm tent of oakum, 
and the granulations around the edge cauterized fre- 
quently with nitrate of silver. 

After the discharge had ceased the oakum was 
removed from the opening and the edges allowed to 
unite, union taking place very rapidly. 

The tooth cavity was kept as clean as possible 
after the extraction, by washing out with water the 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 



205 



foreign matters that daily collected. The function 
of respiration which had been mechanically inter- 
fered with was, after the operation, performed with 
ease, and at the end of the fourth week he was dis- 
charged. He has been seen since several times, and 
found in perfect condition, doing his daily work. 
TREPHINING- STEPS IN THE OPERATION. 
The operation of trephining may be divided into 
three separate steps: ist, the securing of the animal ; 
2d, the removal of the soft structures ; 3d, the 
removal of the hard structures. 

1st. Back the animal into a narrow stall, apply 
a twitch to the upper lip and have it held by an 
assistant. Another assistant should place one hand 
across the nostrils, high enough up so as not to inter- 
fere with respiration, and the other hand across the 
poll to prevent the animal from making a sudden 
movement. To trephine successfully, it is not neces- 
sary to cast the horse, especially if he has never been 
operated on before. There are, however, instances 
where it is necessary to cast the animal, but they are 
exceedingly rare. In four years' practice as a pro- 
fessional dentist, I have never found it necessary to 
cast but one animal, and that one had been operated 
on several times previous to my operating. 

2d. It is advisable to remove a circular piece of 
skm and subcutaneous tissue somewhat laro-er than 
the trephine. Dissect away all the soft structures. 




206 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

removing every particle, or the trephine will become 

clogged. A common scalpel, Fig. 47, may be used 

for making an incision through the skin, and if 

it has a straight, thin bone or ivory handle, the 

soft structures including the periosteum can be 

easily removed by pushing the end of the handle 

underneath them and raising them up. Some 

operators prefer a crucial incision, others a T 

I incision. If either of the latter forms of incis- 

1\ow are made, the opening, as a general thmg, 

g 

Swill close too soon. The flaps also interfere 

with the washing and dressing of the sinuses; 
they sometimes become swollen and very pain- 
ful to the touch. By making the circular in- 
cision, the operation is more readily performed 
and the edges of the wound do not interfere 
with the dressing. 

3d. The removal of the bony plate is 
accomplished by the use of the trephine, of 
which there are several kinds, all of which will 
do good work as long as they are kept sharp. 
At present they are all made with a center bit. 
FIG. 47. The other instruments necessary are a scal- 
. Operat- p^j^ ^ strong pair of dressing forceps and a 
pels. sequestrum forcep. Fig. 49, with which to 
remove the piece of bone when it is not brought out 
by the trephine. The bit should be extended one- 
fourth inch beyond the saw of the trephine; this. 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 



207 



when inserted, will hold the saw in position. If 
the operation of trephining is resorted to in order 
to effect the removal of a tooth by punching it 




SHARP & SMITH, CHI. 

Gait's Trephine, Nickel Plated. 




SHARP ft SMITH, CHI. 

Trephine Handle, 
FIG. 48. 
out, the opening should be made directly over the 
roots of the tooth. Should there be two teeth side 
by side which require a like operation, an opening 
made with an inch and a quarter trephine directly 




FIG. 49. 

Sequestrum. Forcep. 

over both teeth, will be sufficiently large to admit of 

the punching out of both teeth through the same 

opening. If a smaller trephine is used, and it is 

desirable to increase the size of the opening, it can 

be done with the separating saw. Fig. 50. 



FIG. 50. 



208 



VETBRINART DENTAL SURGERT. 



The punches used in driving out teeth are of 
various sizes and shapes, but should always be large 
enough to cover all the roots of the tooth on which 
it is used. They may be made of hard wood, iron 




s-waByj y -»**»y» ^- ' ^ ^V:i'.- ^iw t wp^^i'j ■ -. ' ■VBr ' i^^vg.trf 








frvsa^j?^ai%a:^";-'aa'.!^'^"S'Sgjj^-iyj.a>a.y:aiigs'ts 



FIG. 51. 
Straight and Curved Punches and Curved Elevator. 

or steel; about six inches long and round or octag- 
onal. The punches which I use are made of steel, 
polished, and correspond in size with the trephines. 




FIG. 52. 

French Snap Forceps, for holding arteries. 

which are four in number varying from five-eighth 

to one and one-fourth inches. These punches for 

the most part are straight. Where the opening 

with the trephine is made, as in Fig. 15, a curved 



VETERINAR2' DENTAL SURGERY. 



209 



punch will be necessary in order to get under the 
teeth. Such a punch is represented in Fig. 51. 



FIG. 53. Elevator and Raspatory. 
AFTER TREATMENT. 

Keep the parts clean and dress daily 
with warm water containing a small quan- 
tity of carbolic acid or common salt. Be 
careful to remove all foreign substances 
contained in the cavity. Keep the wound 
open as long as there are any indications 
of existing disease of the sinus, or until the 
alveolar cavity which contained the tooth 
that has been removed, fills up with a 
healthy growth. If the operation is per- 
formed during the season of the year when 
flies or other insects are liable to keep up 
an irritation, the opening may be covered 
with a piece of cloth secured in place with 
pine pitch or some other adhesive sub- 
stance. A plug of carbolized tow or 
oakum inserted in the opening will answer 
the same purpose in addition to keeping 
the wound open. 

It is not necessary to plug up the open- 
ing left by the extraction of the tooth 
except perhaps in occasional cases. 



FIG. 54. 

Right Angle 
Elevator, 



CHAPTER XX. 
OSTEO POROSIS. 

This disease may affect any or all portions of the 
osseous system, often involving the teeth, and it is 
this fact that has led me to consider the subject in 
this work. The teeth frequently become so loose 
that they can be drawn out with the fingers. Dr. 
Weese, of Ottawa, 111., relates a case where all the 
superior molars were loose with but little enlarge- 
ment of the facial bones. Such cases frequently occur, 
and in order to properly diagnose the condition it is 
necessary to understand the disease. It would be of 
no use to operate or extract the teeth of such ani- 
mals, as the disease is not amenable to treatment and 
the animal so affected sooner or later succumbs to 
the disease. 

Dr. Anderson, of Macon, Ga., who has made the 
subject a special study, read the following paper 
before the Illinois Veterinary Medical Society, 
November i6, i8SS: 

" It is more with a view of directing the atten- 
tion of the veterinary profession, rather than cast- 
ing any light upon the etiological or therapeutical 
phase of the disease, that I offer this article on the 

210 



VE TERINA R V DEN TAL S URGER Y. 211 

above named subject to this able veterinarian assem- 
blage. And furthermore should I, before its con- 
clusion, venture upon its etiology, I wish it under- 
stood that the idea is merely a hypothesis; as the 
true causes of this strange affection are at the present 
one of the many unsolved pathological problems, 
and it is not my intention to present positively other 
than facts. 

'•■The subject is one of great importance, as the 
proportions which it has assumed in some parts of 
this country are simply alarming, and with our pres- 
ent knovyledge of the disease we are unable to take 
any steps towards its prevention. 

" Various are the titles by which it is known, 
seeming to have gained them from the ideas which 
those who assumed its nomenclature, had of its mor- 
bid anatomy or parts involved. And the name 
which I here accept under which to describe it, 
seems to me inappropriate, as it neither indicates the 
true pathological condition, as we shall see presently, 
or gives any idea as to the cause. In India it is 
known as the 'Nasal Disease' and has been described 
under this title from time to time, by veterinarians 
ill that country in their communications to various 
veterinary journals. It was first recognized in 
England about the year 1S59 ^^^ ^^ described by 
William Williams in his works, under the title 
which this article bears. 



212 VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGER Y. 

SYMPTOMS. 

"While in that section of the United States 
where it is most prevalent, it is spoken of as ' Big 
Head,' ' Big Shoulder ' and ' Big Jaw,' the three 
terms designating its supposed location only. The 
disease itself is characterized by the formation of 
bony, tumorous appearing enlargements in the facial 
region, at point of shoulder and in the rami of the 
inferior maxilla, associated usually, but not always, 
with a general unthrifty appearance; pulse but little 
if any altered ; constipation rather a constant symp- 
tom, respiration undisturbed, visible mucous mem- 
branes may or may not be paler than normal, and 
the body temperature but little or none above the 
standard. The appetite usually remains good and 
after the progression of the disease lameness of a 
peculiar kind is evinced, ^vhile an almost ever present 
symptom is the extremely small quantity of water 
drank. So marked is this particular feature that 
those in charge will usually acquaint you with this 
fact upon first consultation. 

The disease seems to exist in two forms; acute 
and sub-acute or chronic. Williams in classifying 
this affection in his work on " Principles and Prac- 
tice of Veterinary Surgery," places it under the head 
of non-inflammatory osseous diseases, but in describ- 
ing it presents phenomena in its course of develop- 
ment and post-mortem appearances whigh gorre- 



VBTERINAnr DENTAL SURGBRT. 213 

spond to those of inflammation, and which could 
not possibly exist without inflammatory action. It 
is therefore an inflammatory disease as we shall 
plainly see, and not a non-inflammatory one, as he 
classifies it. In his accounts of post-mortem appear- 
ances which agree in part with those held by my- 
self and others he says, referring to the bones: 
' The periosteal covering of the flat and irregular, 
and also some parts of the long bones, was very vas- 
cular and could be easily stripped off.' Again as 
regards the cartilages he writes: 'In most instances 
although not in all, the articular cartilage was of a 
dark slate color, much thinner than is natural, and 
in many places it was entirely lost,' while in another 
section pointing to membranes, we find the follow- 
ing, reading thus: 'The synovial membrane was con- 
siderably thickened, especially in those parts where 
it is most vascular.' At the beginning of his post- 
mortem report we find this quotation: 'On his at- 
tempting to walk, his fore legs gave way at the 
elbow joint on one side and shoulder joint on the 
other, in consequence of the articular and capsular 
ligaments and tendons of the muscles becoming de- 
tached from their bony connections by tearing away 
of portions of diseased bones.' 

These quotations are sufficient I should think, to 
convince the most skeptical without further argu- 
ment, as to its inflammatory nature. In its descrip- 



21 4 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

tion I shall first consider that form In which the 
enlargements appear in the facial regions, but not 
from the fact that the disease is located wholly here, 
as is thought by many, for 'tis false ; but solely on 
account of some interesting features which are asso- 
ciated in animals presenting the facial enlargements 
which, by the way, rarely diminishes the caliber of 
the nasal chambers enough to interfere with respira- 
tion. The enlargements will be found situated prin- 
cipally within the maxilla and below the orbit, 
obliterating in most instances that concavity which 
marks the junction of the superior maxilla with the 
nasal bones, causing the face w^hen viewed from an 
affronting position to appear more like that of an 
elephant than of the animal to which it belongs. In 
gathering the history of this class of subjects you 
will find that nothing important has made itself 
manifest that would lead to the suspicion of the 
existence of a disease so grave in its character, 
beyond the appearance of the enlargements, together 
with slight thickening of the inferior maxilla; pro- 
vided they were rapid in their course of development 
and were not of long standing; and even then, in 
some instances they, with the inferior maxilla, are 
the only marked evidences during life. This is a 
peculiar fact, since every bone in the body is at this 
very time more or less involved. On the other hand, 
should the enlargements prove slow to develop, and 



VE T ERIN A R Y DEN TA L SURGE R Y. 215 

the disease had progressed far enough, you would 
find the history of the case quite different, and your 
subject presenting if the form was acute, consider- 
able constitutional disturbance with an elevation of 
temperature, visible membranes injected, constipation 
present, feces altered in color, respiration accelerated, 
with lameness of a peculiar kind; and if located 
around those joints not well protected by muscles 
giving attachment to tendons, heat, swelling and 
tenderness upon pressure will exist to a degree. 
These latter symptoms are due in all probability to 
rupture of some of the tendinous fibers from their 
bony attachment, while the partial removal of the 
articular cartilages which occurs, is sufficient to 
account for the lameness. 

Again, if the animal affected does not develoj) at 
all the facial enlargements, the first symptoms made 
manifest usually are of the most acute kind, shown 
by extensive tumefaction around the joints, with 
evidence of positive rupture of tendinous attach- 
ments; complete possibly, and probably, fracture or 
rather a tearing away of some part of the bone itself, 
which occurs in all probability from muscular con- 
traction or undue weight being thrown upon it. 
The proximal end of the humerus will show con- 
siderable enlargement, constituting ' Big Shoulder,' as 
it is termed, and if the femur could be outlined, 
would present the same changes. In fact, it is in 



216 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

this form of the disease that the long bones, and 
those too which possess the greatest amount of 
cancellated tissue are most affected, as shown by the 
extensive tendinous rupturing which occurs only 
partially, if at all, in those subjects developing the 
facial enlargements early and rapidly. 

The rami of the inferior maxilla will be found 
much larger than in other instances, and it will be 
important to here state that this bone in all cases 
invariably gives evidence of the existence of the 
disease, by an increase of its transverse diameter 
when no other symptoms are sufficiently developed 
to testify to its positive existence. The solution of 
this at first seemingly strange fact is easy, since we 
know this bone to possess the greater amount of 
cancellated tissue of any, where examination is not 
prevented by its protection of muscular tissue. The 
superior maxilla together, I will repeat again, with 
every bone in the osseous frame, hyoides included, 
are at this very time affected, but do not show evi- 
dence from the reason already given. Indeed, it is 
a disease peculiar to bone only, and you should not 
be misled by the rupturing of the tendons and 
muscles, as this is due to the necrosed condition of 
the bones at the points of their attachments, and not 
to any altered condition of their fibers. If the maxil- 
laries are much affected and the molar teeth be 
examined, especially the upper, by placing the fore- 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 217 

finger and thumb upon one, each on opposite sides, 
and pressing them inward, it will be found that the 
bone can, to some degree, be compressed, causing 
pain, a condition which is mistaken by many and 
thought by them to be due to loosening of the same 
within the alveoli. An animal thus affected finds 
difficulty in eating, and is apt at any moment in his 
movements to rupture tendons from their attach- 
ments, or the bones themselves may give way on 
the animal rising from a recumbent position or tak- 
ing a false step. I have seen instances in which the 
metacarpals and metatarsals were fractured by the 
animal stepping from a box stall to the passage-way 
floor, which was not more than six inches below 
that of the box. 

POST MORTEM. 
One interesting case which I will give (instead 
of citing many), of a pony which did not show evi- 
dence of the disease other than the rami enlarged 
transversely, and a short groggy gait while being 
ridden by a boy, stumbled and fell upon his left side 
on a dirt road which was rather soft. When he 
arose it was found that he had fractured the scapula 
crosswise above the tubercle of the spine. On being 
destroyed a few days later, the autopsy revealed 
nothing important as concerned the internal organs, 
but on examining the bones it was found that the 
periosteum was easily detached from most of the 



218 VB TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

surfaces of all the bones, and particularly so in that 
part of the bone where the greatest amount of 
spongy tissue existed. Their extremities were 
greatly increased in their transverse diameter, their 
shafts were not much affected in this way, present- 
ing after divestment a pinkish hue. Upon pressure 
being applied ever so slightly bloody fluid would 
ooze from the bony substance, which when the 
pressure was released would recede again into the 
tissue showing the porous condition which existed. 
To the touch they were soft, velvety, elastic and 
slightly rebounding. The articular cartilages were 
somewhat discolored but all intact in this particular 
subject, which probably accounts for the absence of 
lameness other than that to which I have already 
alluded. In these cases showing continual, decided 
lameness, the cartilages will be found not only 
discolored, but removed by absorption in part or 
wholly. A section made into a long bone at its 
most affected part, which was done with little resist- 
ance, showed the canal somewhat increased trans- 
versely, with its contents of a reddish, watery char- 
acter. The haversian canals and cancelli were in 
some instances obliterated, with their traversing 
blood vessels excessively engorged, while the 
lacunae and canaliculi were filled with a light yel- 
lowish semi-fluid substance. Both the large and 
periosteal foramena were dilated and the periosteum 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 219 

thickened. The weight of the bones was greatly 
increased owing to the amount of fluids present, but 
when allowed to dry they become extremely light 
and if their surfaces were not interfered with pre- 
sented a furry appearance, steel grayish in color, 
which would if the finger was drawn lightly across 
it receive an impression like that made upon plush. 
I did not further examine these specimens but am 
satisfied from their condition that animal matter 
existed in preponderance; which is self evident, and 
not inorganic material as our writers ascribed. 

It is not a disease of growth as is thought, for in 
my observations I find it affecting the equus family 
under all circumstances, without regard to age, sex 
or habits of life. We also find its subjects both 
plethoric and anaemic. Plethora existing only in 
that form in which the facial enlargements develop 
rapidly. I have never known other animals to be- 
come its victim, but one of our writers however, 
describes it in sheep. The horse seems to become 
attacked most often while the mule is rarely affected, 
even in that country where the disease is most prev- 
alent and they are used almost exclusively. 

CAUSES. 

It has been attributed to various causes, and 

among them to errors of diet. G. H. Dadd now 

deceased, who was formerly of Chicago, Illinois, 

and who evidently gave the matter a great deal of 



220 VBTERtNART DENTAL SURGERT. 

thought, (his investigations extending over that 
country bordering on the Ohio River), in his works 
on equine diseases expresses himself as being of the 
beHef that its cause is probably traceable directly to 
the feeding of Indian corn. But this idea is an 
erroneous one, as we find it existing in animals that 
never received a grain of maize. The same author 
is also of the opinion that it may have an hereditary 
origin as he says: "Unless this be the case we can- 
not account for its universal prevalence." Here 
again he is in error, and had he noted the formation 
of those localities in which he found it to be most 
prevalent, although universal as he terms it, I think 
possibly his opinion would have been altered. I shall 
not attempt myself to speak positively on this part 
of the subject, but will give the history of a few 
cases and leave you to draw your own conclusions: 
Case I. In the fall of 1S83 there was shipped 
from the western states, a three-year-old colt, to a 
malarial district of one of the Atlantic bordering 
states; she being richly bred was intended for track 
purposes. Her food consisting principally of hay, 
oats and bran, best quality grown in the west, for all 
such provender used in the cities in that country, is 
shipped from that section. Grass was given to her 
each day after her work and the water given was 
obtained from a cistern w^hich was filled by the 
water shed from the roofs of the neighboring build- 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 221 

ings. The quarters were good as regards the build- 
ing, while the care taken of her could not have been 
better. After six months' stay, she developed the 
disease in its sub-acute form, but recovered partially 
without treatment and lived some years afterwards. 

Case II. In another instance there were a num- 
ber of horses shipped to a gulf bordering state, inten- 
ded for track purposes also, and receiving their food 
from the same source; the quantity and kind corre- 
sponding for each, and likewise with that in the case 
of the colt, but the water was obtained from a well 
on the premises. One of the number developed the 
trouble in an acute form by midwinter, which by 
the way is very mild comparatively in that country, 
and recovered partially afterwards. I knew of the 
occurrence in a sucking colt, running in a pasture 
with its mother which gained her existence from 
the grasses which the field afforded, and watered at 
will from a stream crossing one corner of the lot. 
The colt made a partial recovery but was unfortu- 
nate enough to die from a kick inflicted by a com- 
panion in its two-year-old form. 

Case III. There is a private barn in one of the 
southern cities which was erected in 1S44, on the bor- 
ders of a large marsh lying within a few hundred 
feet of its doors. It contains six horses which are 
used daily for draft purposes, their food being hay, 
oats, corn and bran, and the water is obtained from 



222 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 

the city reservoir from which the entire inhabitants 
are suppHed. In three months after occupying their 
new quarters, an eight-year-old gelding, which had 
been in the city upwards of two years, fell a victim 
to this disease in its most acute form; and the pro- 
prietors have been unfortunate enough to lose one 
or two from the same cause each year since. 

When in communication with that excellent 
gentleman and veterinarian, Alex. Harthill, Jr., of 
Louisville, Kentucky, who has given this subject a 
great deal of thought and investigation, I learned of 
him the history of cases corresponding to those already 
given. I mention this fact merely, not wishing to 
enter into further details, so as to intimate corrobo- 
rating observations as gathered from another whose 
experience extends over a longer period. 

These few examples I hope will suffice, and by 
them it has been plainly shown that the quantity or 
quality of food or water or season of the year has 
nothing to do with the production of the disease; 
but you will observe that the home of the affection 
is in a malarial country and is most prevalent w^here 
the circumstances are the most favorable for the 
development of vegetable micro-organisms. Again 
you will notice that during the existence of the 
circumstances seemingly, under which it was 
produced, partial repair takes place through 
nature's efforts and that this partial repair may occur 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 



233 



in subjects where it develops either of its forms, 
while from the autopsy and other evidence you will 
note the products to be evidently the result of a 
primarily localized irritant. And that the irritant is 
conjined to the blood vessels permeating the bones, 
producing inflammation which runs through its 
various stages, causing the different morbific changes 
which we find existing. I have said nothing con- 
cerning its transmission, either from breeding an in- 
fected animal or by infection,^ but do possess evi- 
dence pro and con for the latter. 



^CHAPTER XXI. 
FILLING HORSES' TEETH. 

It is only of late years that the filling of the teeth 
of our domesticated animals has been in practice. 

When I first commenced the practice of veterinary 
dentistry I think it was almost unheard of. I began 
to see the need of it more and more every year as 
my practice increased and experience grew larger. 

I have repeatedly watched teeth with small cav- 
ities and seen them grow larger until the caries ex- 
tended to the pulp cavity, when extraction was the 
only alternative. 

The thought often came to me that these teeth 
might be saved if properly filled, yet I did not at- 
tempt the operation until after attending lectures on 
human dental surgery. 

I have met with varying success, but think now 
that in cases where caries has not gone too far, that 
many teeth may be reclaimed and do the animal 
years of good service. Filling the teeth of animals 
is only practical when caries first commences, as the 
nerve is so large that I think it impossible to destroy 
it and remove it successfully and if it is not well 
done it is better not done at all. 



*This chapter was prepared by Dr. Sayre, D. V. S, 

224 



VBTERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 225 

From my present knowledge and experience I 
do not think it practical to attempt to fill other than 
the incisors and the first three molars, as T have 
found it impossible to get light and room sufficient 
to operate back of that; in fact it is extremely diffi- 
cult to fill the third molar. 

In writing this short chapter I have made use of 
Taft's Operative Dentistry and The American Sys- 
tem of Dentistry, which I would recommend to 
the student who desires to make himself proficient 
in this branch of dental surgery. 

As our knowledge increases we will see the 
importance of this operation more, and I predict 
that in a few years filling horses' teeth will be a 
common practice. It is the only treatment we have 
recourse to in caries. By it the disease is checked 
and the lost part restored to usefulness as nearly as 
possible by any foreign substance. 

If properly and skilfully performed the opera- 
tion is successful in preserving teeth which would 
soon have to be extracted. We cannot restore lost 
parts as the human dental surgeon can, for various 
reasons. The food is too hard. Take, for instance, 
a molar, with say half of the crown gone. In the 
human tooth it could be built up and stand the wear, 
but in our subjects, in which the process of masti- 
cation is carried on almost entirely by the lateral 
motion, it would dislodge the filling in the first 
place, and wear it out in the second. 



326 



VE TERINAR V DENTAL SURGE R Y. 



INSTRUMENTS FOR FILLING. 
In describing the instruments used in fill- 
ing, I will take them in the order in which 
they are used, first referring to those used in 
examining or exploring the cavity, then those 
for cutting and dressing off borders, removing 




FIG. 55. Chisels. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



227 



decay and forming the cavity, and finally those for 

introducing, consolidating and finishing the filling. 

EXPLORING INSTRUMENTS. 

For this purpose we use 
the small excavators used in 
human dental surgery. 
There are an endless variety 
of forms manufactured for 
J this purpose. 

CHISELS. 
These are strong cutting 
instruments used in open- 
ing cavities and cutting off 
projections of dentine and 
enamel and cutting down 
the sides of the cavity, 

Fig. 55- 

Of these the dental sur- 
geon should have a large 
variety of sizes and shapes, 
as it is with them that almost 
the entire cavity is formed. 
The dental engine has 
almost wholly superseded 
the use of hand drills in 
human practice, and the veterinary dentist is even 
more dependent upon it, as it is impossible to use 
hand drills in cavities in some of the molars, because 




FIG. 55. Chisels. 



328 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 



the mouth cannot be opened wide enough, they are 
easily drilled out with the engine by using the 




FtG. 56, Hand Byrs and Drills, 



VETBRINART DENTAL SVRGBRT. 



229 



hand piece, which operates at an angle of about 45 
degrees. 

Fig 56 shows a variety of drills, the cone, round 
and bud being the ones most used, the inverted cones 




FIG. 56. Hand Burs and Drills. 



230 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGER Y. 



being used in cavities in the molars which 
are sometimes made larger at the bottom 
than at the orifice. 

FILLING INSTRUMENTS. 

O 



A 

fa 
o 

t-H 

E- 

< 



< 
< 



73 

H 

;zi 




ph ;z; 

1 l-H 

H 
H 
"^ 

O 
< 

Fig. 57 represents 
Dr. B. F. Arring- 
ton's set for the in- 
troduction of amal- 
gam, gutta-percha 
and cement fiUings, ^ig. 58. 

and T think it is the best set of pluggers for 
the veterinary dentist. 




I 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



231 



PIG. 



59- 



232 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 



Fig. 58 is a very convenient instrument for carry- 
ing the amalgam to the cavity. 

There are a number of carriers and fillers which 
are very convenient in filling. 

No. I is Dr. Thomas Fry's which has a fixed 
point covered by a projecting tube, thus forming a 




■ FIG. 60. Arkansas, Hindostan and Scotch Stones. 



VE TERINAR T DEl^fTAL S URGER T. 233 

cup which recedes on pressure so that the point 
forces the amalgam into the cavity. No. 2, Dr. W. 
S. Elliott's, and No. 3, Dr. W. B. Miller's are opera- 
ted in the same manner. 

Fig. 60 represents a set of corundum points, 
cones and disks for finishing and polishing fillings; 
these are on short stocks to be used with the engine. 
The same forms are made of Arkansas, Scotch and 
Hindostan stone. 

MATERIALS FOR FILLING. 

Of the materials used in filling teeth, I will only 
describe those that I think best adapted to our pur- 
pose. 

Amalgam. This is rather a broad term applied 
to all the preparations formed by combining mercury 
with various other metals. Those most commonly 
used are silver and tin, but occasionally gold, zinc, 
lead, platinum and cadmiun. 

"The kind most in use is prepared by melting 
together and carefully mixing pure tin and silver, 
and filing this when cooled, into dust, combining 
the latter with mercury in sufticient proportion to 
give the requisite plasticity, and then thoroughly 
washing the whole in alcohol or boiling water 
to remove the oxides formed during the combina- 
tion of the metals" — (Taft.) I like this the best for 
filling the teeth of animals as it is easily and quickly 
introduced and is the most durable. 



234 VE TERINAR Y DENTAL S URGER V. 

Gutta percha is useful for temporary fillings, or 
fillings where there is not much wear, as cavities in 
the labial surface of the incisors. It is very easily 
introduced; all that is necessary is a spirit lamp to 
warm it until it becomes plastic or it may be immersed 
in boiling water, when it will readily conform itself 
to the cavity. 

FILLING THE TEETH. 

Having considered the instruments, materials and 
cases in which filling is practical, we will now pro- 
ceed with the operation, first taking the incisors and 
then the molars. 

Here we labor under difficulties which the human 
dental surgeon does not have to contend with; our 
patients will not come to our office and sit in a chair 
with head in any position desired ; on the contrary, 
we have to work in almost any position to suit him; 
or confine him, which I dislike to do and only find 
it necessary in filling the molars. 

I find in operating on the incisors that a gag 
is very convenient. It should be about eight 
inches long and three inches in diameter, with a 
hole about an inch from each end, through which 
a clothes line is passed and over the top of the head 
to retain it in the mouth. Around this I wrap a rub- 
bing cloth to protect the bars of the mouth from in- 
jury, and it will also absorb a great deal of saliva. 
If we are going to operate on the lower teeth we 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT, 



235 



will wrap another cloth about them to keep them 
dry. 

Having our patient ready, we must first give the 
teeth a thorough examination. This should not be 
hurriedly done, for on it the subsequent work de- 
pends. For this purpose we should have a large vari- 
ety of fine pointed instruments, so curved and formed 
as to be easily brought in contact with all parts of 
the tooth, so as to detect any defect that may exist. 




FIG. 6i. Mouth Speculum, Simons'. 

For this purpose we use the small exploring 
instruments. 

To open the cavity we will use the bur drill and 
large chisels (Fig 56 and 55), using the chisel to cut 
down the sides of the cavity. This may be done by 
hand or with the mallet. The drills are used in the 
bottom of the cavity. The fine drill should always 
follow the chisel to smooth and even up the surface 
cut. 

In our subjects it is best to remove all decayed 
portions. 



236 VE TERINAR V DEN TAL S URGER T. 

In operating on the human tooth the decayed 
portion is not always entirely removed. In cases 
where the dentine is entirely decomposed down to 
the pulp, when by its removal the pulp would be 
exposed, it is thought by some operators that the de- 
cayed dentine gives better protection to the pulp 
than any artificial covering-. 

By others it is thought that the decayed dentine 
being in an abnormal condition, will irritate the pulp 
and in many cases destroy it. 

The ultimate destruction of the pulp and tooth 
seems the most rational consequence of confining 
the decayed dentine in the cavity. In my opinion 
the decayed dentine, being in a diseased condition, 
acts as a fountain head of disease, and filling over it 
is like trying to stop a train going down grade with- 
out putting on the brake. "Yet cases are cited 
where fillings have been introduced into cavities at 
the bottom of which a portion of softened dentine 
covered the pulp, and on removal of them in from 
one to five years afterward, all parts were found to 
be equally and normally dense." (Taft.) 

Whether decayed dentine covering the pulp 
should be removed or not, I will leave each student 
to decide for himself. 

There are some particulars in which all operators 
agree: First — That all decomposed dentine should 
be removed from all parts of the cavity when the 



VE TERINAR Y DEN TAL SURGE R Y. 337 

pulp would not be injured thereby, and especially 
from the lateral walls and the orifice. 

In removing the decomposed dentine such instru- 
ments should be selected as would seem best adapted 
to the purpose. 

In cutting, the direction should be from the near- 
est point of pulp exposure toward the orifice of the 
cavity. 

In removing decomposed dentine we must not 
forget that the cavity must be so formed as to retain 
the filling when properly introduced. To do this it 
is most always necessary to remove more or less 
solid dentine to secure suitable retaining points. 

" In large cavities where one side of the tooth is 
weak, places must be selected for making retaining 
points that will least affect the weak point." (Taft.) 

There are several ways of forming retaining 
points. Under-cutting and grooving is practiced by 
some, others preferring to drill little holes or pits 
into the dentine, these taking effect in different direc- 
tions. 

After the cavity is formed and before introducing 
the filling, it must be thoroughly dried with bibulous 
paper and the warm air blow pipe. 

This instrument is made of a small blow pipe, 
with a cylinder about two inches from the point. 
This cylinder is made of some heavy metal, so as to 
retain heat. On the other end is an india-rubber ball. 



238 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

To manipulate the instrument, first heat the cyHn- 
der, then by pressure on the ball with the thumb a 
current of hot air is forced into the cavity, which has 
been first dried with bibulous paper. This soon 
dries it perfectly, the walls of the cavity becoming 
white as it dries. We now have our cavity ready 
for the introduction of the filling. 

In preparing amalgam for introduction, put a 
sufiicient quantity in a mortar, add mercury sufficient 
to give the requisite plasticity, and then wash thor- 
oughly to remove the oxide formed during the com- 
bination of the metals. 

The excess of mercury can be removed by press- 
ing the paste in a piece of chamois or between the 
thumb and finger with a rolling or rocking motion. 
After the mercury has been pressed out, break up in- 
to small pieces and insert into the cavity pressing 
down each piece firmly until the cavity is full, when 
it should be finished with the corundum points or 
disks. Fig. 60, and followed by the burnisher. 
Burnishing is done by rubbing the round smooth 
surface over the filling until it is perfectly smooth 
and bright. 

In filling the molars the same course is followed, 
but we find it often necessary to cast the animal so 
as to obtain light, and confine the head in position 
suitable for work; we also find it necessary to use a 
speculum to keep the mouth open. There are a 



VETERINART DENTAL SURGERT. 



239 



large variety of these in the market, Dr. E. A. A. 
Grange's, being probably the best. Fig. 6i. In 
drilHng out the cavities in the molars we have to de- 
pend almost exclusively on the dental engine, as the 
hand drills cannot be used in the mouth. The hand 
piece referred to before Fig. 56, operating at right 
angles, or Fig. 57 operating at an acute angle, are 
the only instruments with which cavities back of the 
first molar can be made. In preparing the cavities 
great care should be taken to obtain suitable retaining 
points; in the molars we can leave the cavity larger 
at the bottom than at the orifice, dove-tailing it as it 
were. This form retains the filling well, but great 
care must be exercised in filling, to have it pressed 
firmly against the walls of the cavity so as to support 
them, otherwise they will be crushed in. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

DETERMINATION OF THE AGE OF THE HORSE, 
OX, SHEEP, PIG AND DOG. 

DENTITION IN THE HORSE. 

The teeth are the only means at our command by 
which we can determine the age of the domestic 
animals in a scientific manner. For years this subject 
has been treated by various authors. Drawings have 
been made, I might say from time immemorial, a 
great many of them the result of a vivid imagination, 
others true copies of them ; or they may have been 
slightly altered to suit the fancy of the author. 
When we compare these drawings with what actual- 
ly exists in nature, w^e notice a vast discrepancy in a 
majority of cases. Observation on the teeth of the 
living animal, is the only means by which we can 
become adepts at determining the age of the domes- 
tic animals. 

At birth the foal has two central temporary incis- 
ors, either in sight or covered with a thin membrane 
which disappears by the fourth or fifth day. They 
are always partially covered when through, the an- 
terior portion of the tooth only protruding. 

The 1, 3, 3,* molars are also completely covered 

*See Fig. 15. 

240 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 241 

by the gums at birth, but make their appearance in 
from one to five days. 

At two weeks the central incisors will be well up 
and the extreme corners of the lateral incisors will 
be visible under the gum, and are through about the 
third or fourth week. At six to eight weeks both 
pairs as well as the temporary molars are well up 
and the foal able to masticate solid food. The cen- 
tral incisors have their surface very slightly worn, 
the infundibulum not yet being entirely surrounded 
by structures which have come into wear. The 
wear of the lateral incisors is confined to the anterior 
edge nearest the central teeth. 

From two to seven months no perceptible change 
in the teeth is noticed, except that those already up 
increase in size bringing the whole of their table sur- 
face into wear. Sometimes however, the posterior 
border of the incisors do not come up even with the 
anterior border until later. 

At from seven to eight months the anterior bor- 
der of the corner incisors may be seen protruding 
through the gum. At nine months they are entirely 
through, with their anterior edges even with the edges 
of the other incisor teeth. A triangular space pos- 
^■eriorly and externally will still remain out of wear. 

The fourth molar, which is permanent, now 
makes its appearance and by the end of the first year 
is even with the temporary molars but has not yet 



243 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

come into wear. This when it can be examined is 
almost positive evidence as to the age. 

If the mouth of a colt be closely examined at 
from six to nine months, small spicules of bone, or 
more properly teeth, will be noticed making their 
appearance just back (and at the same time) of the 
corner teeth; these are the deciduous or temporary 
canine teeth. I have never noticed them in a filly. 
They are shed in the course of a few weeks, usually 
by the time the corner incisors are up and in wear. 

If the colt is large and well developed, it may at 
this age be mistaken for a two-year-old, for the in- 
cisor teeth are very much alike at one and two years 
of age. 

The incisor teeth of a yearling somewhat resem- 
ble those of a five-year-old. No one, however, could 
mistake a yearling for a five-year-old, unless it be 
among the ponies which have to shift for themselves, 
in which the general appearance of youth is quickly 
lost; such is said to be the case in some instances 
with the ponies on the western plains. 

At about eighteen months the fifth molar, perma- 
nent, begins to protrude or can be felt immediately 
under the gums. At two years it is level with the 
other molars, but not yet worn away on the table 
surface. 

At two years the incisors all have their table sur- 
faces in wear, with the exception of an occasional 



VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER 7 . 243 

case, which yet retains more or less of the triangular 
depression on the posterior borders of the corner 
incisors. 

Between two and three years of age begins that 
change in the dentition of the horse which often 
becomes a source of annoyance. Some animals 
grow thin and do not again pick up in flesh until the 
fifth year is reached. At this age the central tem- 
porary incisors are replaced by permanent teeth. 
Soon after two years there will be signs of shedding 
of these teeth. The gums surrounding the necks of 
these teeth are somewhat sunken and more or less 
congested. A red line is noticed surrounding the 
teeth, and it is evident all but a small portion of the 
roots have been absorbed. 

At two and one-half years the temporary teeth 
will have been pushed off and the permanent ones 
appear. These permanent teeth are easily recog- 
nized by their general appearance. They are much 
wider than the temporary teeth, about half grown, 
with deep cavities on their posterior border. At 
this age they are only about half developed, conse- 
quently there is considerable space between the 
upper and lower central incisors, when the mouth is 
closed.* 

At two years and eight months to two years 
and nine months the anterior border of the table sur- 



* The teeth of the lower jaw usually precede those of the upper jaw by 
several weeks, and are the ones examined in determining the i»ge. 



244 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERy , 

face will have come into contact. At three years 
these edges have come into wear, but not the poster- 
ior edges. These edges do not come into wear 
until from eight months to one year later. 

At two and one-half years another important 
change is taking place. The first and second tem- 
porary molars are shed and replaced by permanent 
teeth. They are up and in wear by three years to 
three years and two months. 

From the third to the fourth year the lateral 
incisors make their appearance in the same manner as 
noticed in the central. 

The third molar is replaced by a permanent one 
at three to three and one-half years, and the sixth 
molar makes its appearance as a permanent tooth. 

At four years the lateral incisors have their an- 
terior border in apposition. The posterior surface 
has not yet come into wear. The third and sixth 
molars are level or nearly level with the other 
molars. The tusks, canine, or "bridle" teeth usually 
make their appearance at the fourth year, but are not 
fully developed until the horse is five to five and one- 
half years old. They have no value in determining 
the age of the animal, their period of cutting being 
exceedingly variable. In the mare there are usually 
no canine teeth developed; should they however, 
be present they are small and blunt and do not make 
their appearance until a later period, about the sfxth 
or seventh year. 



VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERY. 245 

The corner incisors are all the temporary teeth 
remaining at this time. At four to four and one- 
half years they are replaced by permanent teeth. 

At the fifth year the anterior border of the cor- 
ner incisors meet, the triangular space on the poster- 
ior surface of these teeth yet remains and is very 
characteristic of a five-year-old. The tables of the 
lateral incisors are now fully formed, the central cav- 
ity being surrounded by a line of worn surface. At 
this age a horse is said to have a full mouth. 

If we carefully examine the above facts we can 
see some reason for the oft repeated statement: "I 
had rather work a three than a four-year-old horse, 
for they can better stand the work." Between the 
fourth and fifth years the dental changes are the cut- 
ting of four permanent incisors, four canine and 
eight molars making sixteen teeth which are all 
growing at one time. Is it a wonder that the ani- 
mal often suffers severely and is unable to take much 
solid food? 

After the fifth year the age of the horse is deter- 
mined by examining the cavities and general appear- 
ance of the (lower) incisor teeth. 

At six years the cavities of the corner incisor teeth 
are completely surrounded by a line of worn surface. 

The central incisors have their cavities partially 
worn out. Their boundaries however are distinctly 
marked by the central enamel with which it is sur- 



246 VETERINART DENTAL SURGERY. 

rounded. These cavities are nearer the posterior 
than the anterior edge of the tooth. The depression 
on the internal surface of the tusks is yet well de- 
fined. 

At seven years the table surface of the corner 
teeth are perfectly formed and the cavity in the 
tooth very shallow^. , The central enamel is eliptical 
and nearer the posterior than the anterior border of 
the tooth. The cavities of the lateral incisors are 
oval and nearly w^orn out of the tooth. In the cen- 
tral incisor the central enamel is triangular. The 
tusks are somew^hat w^orn, giving them a blunted 
appearance. 

At eight years the central enamel of the central 
incisors is triangular in form and near the posterior 
border. The table surface also begins to narrow 
from side to side. The central enamel of the lateral 
incisors is triangular and the cavity nearly obliter- 
ated. 

At nine years the central enamel of the central 
incisor teeth is round and near the posterior border. 
The lateral incisors have the central enamel oval and 
near the posterior border. That of the corner is tri- 
angular and the cavity nearly obliterated by wear. 

After the ninth year the age of the horse can not 
be accurately determined, but there are general ap- 
pearances which will assist in arriving at the approx- 
imate age of the animal. 



VB TERINART DENTAL S URGER T. 247 

At ten years the central enamel of the central 
incisors has disappeared, and that of the lateral 
incisor is round and near the posterior border. The 
central enamel of the corner incisors is oval. 

At eleven the central enamel of the lateral in- 
cisors has disappeared, and that of the corners is 
round. 

At twelve the central enamel of the corner 
incisors has disappeared. 

At thirteen the table surface of the central in- 
cisors has become triangular. 

At fourteen the table surface of the lateral incis- 
ors are triangular. 

At fifteen the table surface of the corner incisors 
is triangular. 

At sixteen the diameter of the table surface, from 
before back, exceeds the lateral diameter in the cen- 
tral incisors. 

At seventeen the diameter of the table surface, 
from before back, exceeds the lateral diameter in the 
lateral incisors. 

At eighteen the diameter of the table surface, 
from before back, exceeds the lateral diameters in 
all the incisor teeth. 

Gray hair around the eyes and over the face, 
and depressions behind the orbits, are indicative of 
advanced age and help one to form a pretty correct 
idea of the age of the animal. Sometimes fraud is 



348 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T. 

resorted to in order to deceive and cover up the 
marks of old age. False marks are made on the table 
surface of the teeth. This is known as "bishoping." 
The gray hairs are painted, called " gypping." The 
depressions above the eyes pricked and blown up 
with air. This is known as "puffing the glym." 
DENTITION IN THE OX. 
The teeth of cattle and pigs are not so regular in 
their appearance and changes as those of the horse, 
hence they can not be relied upon to give the same 
degree of accuracy. This is due to the manner in 
which they are kept. Cases of extraordinary devel- 
opment of the dentition in these animals have been 
noticed at the late Fat Stock Shows. They no doubt 
were due to the method of feeding resorted to, in 
order to produce early maturing animals. Cattle 
which are reared for purely dairy purposes do not 
shed their temporar}'^ teeth and complete dentition at 
as early an age as do the beef breeds; nor are the 
processes of dentition as variable in the former as the 
latter. The mode of dentition which I shall describe 
is founded upon observation among various members 
of the Holstein breed of cattle. 

The teeth, as indicative of the age of the ox, is 
not to be depended upon after the fifth year, but up 
to that time the regularity with which they make 
their appearance and changes, form a fair basis by 
which to judge the age of the animal. 



VE TERINAR Y DENTAL SURGER Y. 249 

The incisor teeth of the ox are eight in number, 
and all located in the lower jaw. 

At birth, all the incisors and temporary molars 
(i, 2, 3,) are so far advanced that they may be seen 
under the gums, and by the end of the first month 
are through and fully developed. These teeth retain 
about the same appearance, and no accurate opinion 
can be formed from observation until the sixth 
month, when the fourth molar (permanent) makes 
its appearance. 

At one year and six months the fifth molar 
appears. 

At one year and eight months to two years the 
central incisors are shed and replaced by permanent 
teeth, which are much wider and larger in every 
respect than the temporary teeth. Somewhat later, 
the sixth and last molar makes its appearance, and is 
fully developed by the second year. 

U.p to this time, should an error arise with regard 
to the age of an animal, through the examination of 
the incisors, it can be corrected by examining the 
molars. 

At two to two and one-half years, the first and 
second molars are replaced by permanent teeth, 
which are up and in wear at three years of age. 
The third molar is replaced by a permanent tooth 
about six months later. 

At from two years and four months to two years 



850 VETERINARY DENTAL SURGERT, 

and six months, the first intermediate (internal lat- 
eral) incisors are shed and replaced by permanent 
teeth, which are up and in wear at three years. 

The third pair of incisors or second intermedi- 
ates (external lateral) are shed at three years and 
replaced by permanent teeth, which are up and in 
wear at four years old. 

The cutting of the corner incisor is variable, 
indeed as much so as the canines in the horse, and 
very little reliance can be placed upon their appear- 
ance. They may appear anywhere from three and 
one-half to four and one-half years. They always 
are up and in wear by the fifth year. All the teeth 
at this time show worn table surfaces. Dentition is 
always more advanced in bulls (and the better bred 
the earlier the process of dentition is completed) than 
in steers or females. After the fifth year the teeth 
form no true basis by which to judge the age. If 
the cattle have horns, the age can be calculated from 
the appearance of the rings on the horns. For the 
first two years the rings are so indistinct that the 
first ring indicates a three years' growth, and by 
adding one year thereafter for each ring, we get the 
correct age, so that an animal with four rings would 
be six years old, an animal with six rings eight years 
old, and one with eight rings ten years old. 
DENTITION IN THE SHEEP. 

At birth the lamb is usually without incisor teeth, 



VE T ERIN ART DENTAL S URGER 1 . 251 

but they are visible under the gum. The centrals 
make their appearance first, and are rapidly suc- 
ceeded by the other pairs in their order, so that by 
the fourth week they are fully developed. At 
eighteen months the central incisors are replaced by 
permanent teeth, w^hich are up and in wear at two 
years old. 

At two years the first intermediate (internal lat- 
eral) are shed and permanent teeth take their place. 
These are up and in wear by the third year. 

From three years to three years and two months, 
the second intermediate (external lateral) are shed 
and replaced by permanent teeth, which are up and 
in wear by the fourth year. 

From three years and nine months to four years 
and three months, the corner incisors are shed and 
permanent teeth appear, which are up and in wear 
by the fifth year. 

The changes which take place in the dentition of 
the molar teeth are relatively the same as in the ox. 
DENTITION IN THE PIG. 

The pig is born with eight temporary teeth, the 
corner incisors and the tusks. At three to four 
weeks the first incisors make their appearance, and 
at eight weeks the second incisors are cut. At one 
month the first four molars are cut, and are tem- 
porary, with the exception of the first, which is per- 
manent. At nine months to one year the corner 



252 VE TERINAR T DENTAL S URGER T, 

incisors and tusks are shed and permanent teeth take 
their place. At twelve months the central incisors, 
at thirteen months the third and fourth molars, at 
fourteen months the second molar, and at eighteen 
months the lateral incisors, are replaced by perma- 
nent teeth. At five months the fifth molar is cut as 
permanent, at nine months the sixth and at eighteen 
months the seventh molars appear as permanent 
teeth. 

DENTITION IN THE DOG. 

The dog is born with the eyes shut; they open 
about the ninth or tenth day after birth. The whole 
of the milk teeth are cut by that time or shortly 
after. 

At one year to one year and three months the 
'nferior incisors begin to wear, and the space be- 
tween the upper central begins to widen. 

At eighteen to twenty-four months the central 
incisors are much worn, and from two to two and 
one-half years the lateral incisors are worn; at three 
to four years all the incisor teeth, both upper and 
lower, show much wear. After this, the general 
appearance of the teeth, their bluntness and yellow 
color, will assist in forming some idea as to the age 
of the animal. 



VE TERINAR T DEN TAL SURGER Y. 



253 



s 


i^Q Wr O 






o 
: r : :: : r p" 






^4 

as 


1 


00 a ■-* 1^ 1 




Q 


3 


go: pj^r r 
g : 2 : : 




CD 

o 


^OSC;<iU00*S r-' 




sa 


!!!!!! I 




OD 


't^*'OD^ !♦ 


^ . > > ^ 






3 3 o P r S- 


! ! 1 It: 


q 




\t- to "^ «^ 

■^ o ^ ^g:^ 
3 CO pr w- ST 


3 

o 
as 


a 


• • CO VI 

«■ 


• • » a VI 




o 

so 










•^ •U CO CO CO 




CO 


: : : ::;5<< vs 


c* e-t- c* c»- t-f 

O O O o 

IK if^ 00 M ^s 

;^ iT iT if: if: 


O 

► 

2! 


w 


• i" 5" 


V5 V5 V- vj vj 


Q 






3 00 CO CO 3 


H 












t<S M N' 






IC >-' 05 ►>» 


o o S J> >« 
.^ O <^ "^ 






birt 

ontb 
year 
year 


^ ^ I^ o* cr 

1 1 g- 3^ ^' 


1 

O 




CO B> CO p" 


K* p«r vj r r 


g 




OB CD CO 




5 


*-^ t-^ 






«< o o 


■«k. *»• CO to Nfi 


o 

n 


•2, 


•■ ' •• 'S ts ta 


'^ t "^ "< ^ 


► 


00 


§;s:^ 


<t a a (t ^„ 
SB to to » *» 


2! 
O 






3 "1 •< "1 va 

QD CO 01 » ^ 


H 




CD 00 


CO 








cc 






7 weel 

8 day 
8 day 

13 mon 
5 mom 
9mont 
18 mon 


►> >. o> w O 


M 




1 ►! <:? C6 1 


99 

3 




fg-^S^i"* s^ 


^ ^ TT 7f 9 


o 




» . CO 55 


• • t»r 


a; 






CO 




•13 








P 


BB i 


?o «o •— I— 

B B ^^ - 

O O VI v< ■< 


n 

► 




DtbS. 

>ntb8. 
ntbs. 


c « a g 
C D^ i-j 1 ~ 

OD OQ « CO 


9( 




O 




to " Z o 


if^ 






o 

05 






f B -S i 


: : : : ^ 


•fl 




2 




r 'O » S- 


o 


o 




OD CO 


09 


X 


o 




CC 


a 




c B *- 


m 








as 

H 






• • D- 








CO 







b 





H H 

Q ^ 

!> il 

H 






[> 



b 

bl 

►a 

H 

^a 

H 




INDEX. 

PACK. 

Abscess, Alveolar i8t 

Age of the Horse, by means of Dentition 240 

Age of the Ox, by means of Dentition 248 

Age of the Sheep, by means of Dentition 250 

Age of the Pig, by means of Dentition 251 

Age of the Dog, by means of Dentition 252 

Anatomy of the Head 7 

Anatomy of the Teeth 15, 26 

Canine Teeth, Deciduous 34, 40, 42 

Caries of the Teeth 72, 76 

Caries of the Teeth— How diagnosed 74 

Caries of the Teeth — Progress of 75 

Caries of the Teeth — Symptoms of 7^ 

Caries of the Teeth— Effects of 80 

Caries of the Teeth — Treatment 87 

Cribbing 1 74 

Cysts, Dental 1 24 

Dental formula of Horse 54 

Dental formula of Ox 60 

Dental Neuralgia 119 

Dental Cysts 1 24 

Dental Cysts, Williams 129 

Denuding of the Teeth 88 

Denuding of the Teeth, Causes 91 

Denuding of the Teeth, Treatment 92 

Dental Pulp 19 

Dentine 16 

Dentition, Temporary in the Horse 3i> 33 

Dentition, Temporary in the Ox 35 

Dentition, Temporary in the Dog 39 

Dentition, Temporary in the Pig 41 

Dentition, Permanent 5° 

254 



INDEX. 256 

PACK. 

Dentition, Permanent formula of. 5^ 

Dentition, Cough of 66 

Dentition, Table of 253 

Diseases due to Dentition.^ 61 

Diseases due to Dentition, Symptoms 65 

Diseases due to Dentition, Williams 7^ 

Enamel. 16 

Exostosis 94 

Exostosis, Cause 95 

Exostosis, Character 102 

Exostosis on the walls of Sinus 104 

Exostosis, Treatment of 102 

Exostosis, Varieties of 102 

Epulis - 192 

Filling Horses' Teeth 224 

Filling Horses' Teeth, Instruments for 226 

Filling Horses' Teeth, Materials for 238 

Foreign Substances — -- 115 

Fractures of the Teeth 119 

Fractures, Superficial of Lower Jaw 168 

Fractures bj the Curb 17° 

Glanders 196 

Gleet, Nasal i95 

Gums, Tumors of 189 

House, C. D 123 

Incisors 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40» 4^ 

Lampas i35 

Maxilla, Superior 7 

Maxilla, Inferior.. n 

Molars, Temporary 3i, 33, 39, 4°, 44 

Molars, Permanent 55, 5^ 

Nasal Gleet - i95 

Teeth, Extraction of 55 

Teeth, Fractures of :i9 

Teeth, Incisors 20, 21, 31, 33 

Teeth, Irregular wearing of 157 

Teeth, Molars - ..-.20, 25,21 

Teeth, Number in Horses, Ruminants, Dogs and Pigs. 20 
Teeth, Projecting in Horses I39 



256 INDEX. 



PAGB. 



Teeth, Projecting in Sheep 150 

Teeth, Projecting in Pigs 153 

Teeth, Temporary, their removal 69 

Teeth, Temporary Molars 31 

Teeth, Temporary Incisors 31 

Teeth, Temporary Canine 31 

Teeth, Wolf 25, 51,67 

Trephining, Steps in 205 

Trephining, After Treatment 209 

Treatment of Caries 87 

Treatment of Denuding of the Teeth 92 

Treatment of Exostosis .__ 96 

Treatment of Alveolar Abscesses 186 

Treatment of Tumors of the Gums 191 

Treatment of Nasal Gleet 196 

Tumors, Cystic 131 

Tumors of the Gums 84 

Wolf Teeth 25,51,67 



CHICAGO 



KKlimy COLLEGE 



]FOTJIsriDEnD 1883. 



The College Building, 

Which has just been Remodeled Through- 
out and Extensively Enlarged, is 

The Most Complete of its Kind 

ON THE CONTINENT. 



Regular session commences October 1, in each year. 



For Prospectus and full partitulars address the Secretary, 

JOSEPH HUGHES, M. K. C. 7. S. 

2537 & 3539 State Street, 

CHICAGO, IliT^INOIS. 



^HiRP k Mw, hmo, 111 



O 

a 

• i-H 

> 

CD 
-i— > 

;-( 
-J— > 



O 



CD 
CO 




o 
o 

C/2 



CD 

^-< 

o 

{=1 



o 

<— K 

m 

X 

"^ 

CD 
I— •• 

a> 
n 

CD 



o 

rD 



donkey's Set of Veterinary Obstetrical Instruments, 

CONSISTING OP 

ONE EXPELLEE, ONE CURVED KNIFE, ONE SAW, 

ONE BLUNT HOOK, ONE SHARP HOOK, 

ONE HANDLE TO FIT ALL. 



ESTABLISHED 1844. 

THB LARGEST AND OLDEST SURGICAL AND VETERINARY L\8TRUME\T flODSB 

IN THE WEST. 



SHARP & SMITH 

Manufacturers and Importers of 
^npeiiicr^ ^nr^gical anfl iCeteiimaiiy Instruments, 

73 Randolph, St., CHICAGO, ILL. 



^, 





Fig. 64. Farmer Miles' Ecraseur. Fig. 63. Chassaignac's Ecraseur. 

Send for Illustrated Veterinary Catalogue. 



Sharp & Smith, Chicago, III, 






Ph 




Fig. 151, Tracheotomy Tubes, Self- 
RetaiLing. 




Fig. 59. Burton's Improved Drench- 
ing Bit. 



i> 
P 

Q 




p" 

9) 

i 

P 

H 
H 



p. 




Fig. 58. Simons' Mouth Speculum, 

Send for Illustrated Veterinary Catalogue- 



\u:j'iiv 




^^^ 




